Years of organizing, fundraising, and development pointed to the spring of 2020 as the year that Greenville recreational sports took on a competitive advantage with the much-anticipated opening of the Delta Sportsplex. But as Robert Burns so eloquently wrote, “The best laid plans of mice and men often go awry.” So, the Delta Sportplex went to Plan B.
“All of the board members and those who were here from the inception of the Sportsplex were excited when the spring of 2020 was in sight because this was the year where there would be a facility ready for events,” said Delta Sportplex coordinator Beth Giachelli. “We have the capability of having children sports such as baseball and soccer where we provide a host field for GYSA (Greenville Youth Soccer Association) and adult softball.”
As COVID-19 began to dominate every aspect of life, the Delta Sportsplex was on tap for a big spring unveiling as the preeminent athletic venue in the Delta.
What has transpired since, is the steady buildup of events that are sure to reach a crescendo before summer’s end.
“Right now, we are having baseball and softball games every day. Baseball is for kids ages 3-12 and we have four games a day. The first games begin at 4:30 and the second games start at 6:50.”
Baseball and softball games at the facility provide the area with one of the few venues at present for those who enjoy spectator sports.
As the kids and adults continue to play their league games, the local athletes provide somewhat of a trailer and promo to an even bigger production.
“We will have a men’s softball tournament and a coed softball tournament beginning July 18th,” Giachelli said. “This will give many people a chance to experience the facility for the first time.”
Delta Sportsplex is well into one of its fundamental goals of providing a state-of-the-art athletic venue for multi-generational competition.
Another goal of the facility is to become a major economic engine in Greenville and Washington County.
“Now that we have the fields in better shape, we can offer the facility for events,” Giachelli said.
“Now we are very competitive in attracting people from all over the state and region who will eat at our restaurants and stay in out hotels when they compete.”
Beyond the current measured unveiling of the Sportplex and summer 2020, the best is still yet to come.
“Before COVID-19, the board of directors definitely were headed in a bigger and better direction,” she said. “But it was held off because of all of the restrictions. Our goal is to reach a fundraising level in the future that enables us to put artificial turf on the fields so that weather will be less of a factor in our scheduling.”
