The Dexter Leader
A Heritage Newspaper
Weekly Publication
Tyler Steffey Field takes big steps
By Larry Courson, Guest Writer
PUBLISHED: April 24, 2008
The Dream of making something good come out of something bad is now a few steps closer to becoming a reality.
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The Tyler Steffey Field project at Peace Lutheran Church has received final approval from Scio Township. Thanks to the generous donation of site plan drawings by Site Design Solutions of Kalamazoo, the field design and layout is complete. The area allows for one Little League field with an adjacent field that can be used for warm up, T-Ball, and soccer. These were the two fields shown on the original design presented to and approved by Scio Township two years ago.
"Tyler Steffey Field" is being built as a tribute to Tyler Steffey, who died tragically in an automobile accident on December 11th, 2007. Tyler played on the Dexter High School football and baseball teams. His father, Mike, has served on the board of Dexter Little League and also as the head umpire. Tyler also served as one of the Little League's umpires.
Peace Lutheran Church, the church home for Tyler and his family, began partnering with the Dexter Little League to build a field on the church property over two years ago. Tyler's father, Mike Steffey, coordinated the joint effort and worked to get zoning approval for the fields. The project had been on hold because of cost constraints. The project is now a reality, thanks to the generous donations of people throughout the Ann Arbor and Dexter communities, proceeds raised by a variety of fund raising efforts, and to large donations given as Memorials in Tyler's name. The Tyler Steffey Field account now has over $35,000 in the bank. The Dexter Little League has promised to provide $20,000 in support of this project over the next 4 years. This continues to be a joint project with members of the community joining with Peace to work on the field design and construction.
The goal is to raise enough funds to begin stage one, earthwork this spring. The at construction cost estimate for the site preparation alone is $156,000. This includes layout, earthwork, walks, and an irrigation system, seeding the fields, site improvements, electricity, permits, inspections, and contingency funds. The backstop, fencing, team benches and other improvements are not included in this estimate and will follow in stage two. With the help of labor donated at reduced cost, and volunteer help, the actual cost of this project should be considerably less.
If funds can be raised quickly enough, the excavators can complete their work in June, the field irrigation system can be installed, and the fields seeded by early July 2008, the field can be ready for opening day of the Little League 2009 season. If there is a delay and the field isn't seeded until later in the summer, the grass will not be mature enough to use until sometime in June 2009.
Two fund raisers are planned in the near future. The first will be at the Dexter Pub on April 24th from 11:00am to 11:00pm. Ten percent of proceeds will go to the Tyler Steffey Memorial Fund. A Mexican Fiesta Dinner, catered by La Fuente Mexican Restaurant, will be held at Peace Lutheran Church on Friday, May 30th starting at 5:30 PM. Funds raised at the Fiesta will be used to help fence the retention pond adjoining the ball field on the church property. This is a safety issue that has to be addressed before the field can be opened. Tickets are available at Peace Lutheran Church, 734-424-0899. Suggested ticket prices are $12.00 for adults, $9.00 for high school students and $6.00 for children 5-12 years of age. Children younger than 5 years of age eat free. The church is located at 8260 Jackson Road, between Baker and Parker roads.
More information on the Tyler Steffey project is available at the Peace Lutheran Church Web site, www.peaceaa.net. Any individuals or organizations wishing to coordinate fund raising efforts with the church are encouraged to call the church office. Donations may be sent to Peace Lutheran Church, 8260 Jackson Road, Ann Arbor, MI 48103 or deposited directly into the Tyler Steffey Field account at the United Bank and Trust branch on Dexter-Ann Arbor Road in Dexter.
Contact Pastor Larry Courson, of Peace Lutheran Church at 734-424-0899 or larrycourson@peaceaa.net.
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