Residents propose privately funded indoor baseball training facility; ask city for lease/permission

Spearfish residents urged the City Council to consider allowing a privately funded indoor baseball training facility adjacent to the existing large baseball field.

David Donay (speaker 7) said the Spearfish Baseball Association has a proposal for a 96-foot-by-76-foot building, estimated at about $400,000 and funded entirely through donations and in-kind labor. "We would build the whole building on our own dime ... We would pay the electricity and gas bills," Donay said, noting the association had checked structure insurance and would not charge kids to use the facility.

Donay said the parcel is attractive because utilities, parking and restrooms are already adjacent; he acknowledged zoning questions and said the group believes the use aligns with existing park uses. Ryan Worteman (speaker 8) added that donor momentum matters and urged the council to move quickly so prospective donors do not lose interest.

Donay said the association seeks city permission and a lease to construct the building on the identified parcel; the proposal does not request city funding. Council did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting, and staff advised they will follow appropriate permitting and zoning processes if the group pursues the request formally.