When Southern Illinois University Edwardsville’s Department of Campus Recreation installed artificial turf fields on campus at the recreation complex, it planned on heightening engagement with the community and scheduling more events at the site. That vision is coming to fruition as external groups are signing up to utilize the state-of-the-art surface.
“With the installation of the turf last year, Campus Recreation was able to be more proactive looking at rental opportunities during the summer,” said Keith Becherer, campus recreation director. “As a result, Intramural Coordinator Tom Dougherty connected with Southwest Illinois Baseball League (SWIBL) Commissioner Andy Mauschbaugh to discuss options. We now have more than 50 youth baseball games scheduled for the Rec Plex this summer, drawing thousands of youth participants, their families and spectators to campus.”
Mauschbaugh is pleased to collaborate with the University. “This access ties directly to SWIBL’s mission, and that is to give an opportunity to kids in southwestern Illinois to learn and to play baseball at a high level,” he said.
External groups have increased activity at SIUE venues both indoors and outdoors during the winter months. Becherer pointed to recent space rentals from Little Tigers Basketball and GlenED soccer during February. United FC Soccer will also rent space at the recreation complex in March.