Grant Supports Sports Complex Driving Tourism in Lake Village
Lake Village’s Rodney Angel Memorial Sports Complex is a significant economic engine for the Southeast Arkansas town, attracting baseball teams from across the state and region for games and tournaments. “The tournaments we host bring in visitors who stay in our hotels and eat in our restaurants,” explained Mayor JoAnne Bush.
The growing sports complex includes four baseball diamonds with covered bleachers, a covered picnic pavilion, a playground area, basketball goals and a walking track. But the complex lacked a quality public address system for announcements and play-by-play commentary.
Southeast Arkansas Community Foundation (SACF) provided funds earlier this year for a portable PA system that can be used at any of the complex’s four baseball fields. “We can also take the system to other facilities in Lake Village, including our amphitheater and multipurpose arena,” noted Mayor Bush. SACF’s gift of a single portable unit will enhance public events at facilities throughout Lake Village, increasing enjoyment for residents and visitors alike and building the town’s capacity to recruit large regional tournaments.
“It’s a huge boost to our community,” said Bush.