Drawing teams from across the region, boosting local businesses, and bringing the community together, the diamonds are proving to be a true home run for Decatur County. I had the opportunity to speak with Rob DeHoff, Decatur County Recreation Sports Coordinator about the success of the ball diamonds. Rob continues to keep the energy he had when he first began his journey in the position.
Throughout our discussion Rob continued to state, “Things are going exceptionally well. The success could not have been reached without the hard work and dedication from the Parks Board Members, and Parks Department staff.” When we began the planning for tournaments at the diamonds. “We had originally planned on five or six tournaments and that quickly became twenty-four tournaments which required everyone involved to go above and beyond to accomplish everything that needed done.”
DeHoff is very excited to say that the back four diamonds are nearing completion with two diamonds being ready October 3rd, and the other two diamonds planned to be completed two weeks later.
“I cannot say enough good things about Rob DeHoff and his vision for the sports complex. He brought forward the concept, had a plan, and executed it to perfection. Rob told us he was being conservative in his projections of interest and revenue from the turf diamonds—and that proved true right away. The diamonds have been an overwhelming success! I am very proud and want to thank the entire Parks Department for working tirelessly to make this dream a reality.” — Commissioner Gabe Nobbe
Rob states that this year they have heard from and seen an increase in customers frequenting hotels, and restaurants. He credited the Greensburg Decatur County Chamber of Commerce for their assistance in sharing the tournament schedules to help prepare local businesses. Using placer data, they could see an increase of out-of-town visitors to Decatur County during the month of June of 80%.
From April 1 to September 29th the ball diamonds report the following estimated income- Concessions $155,000 gross and approximately $50,000 from ball diamond rentals.
Decatur County Commissioner Jeremy Pasel shared his perspective on the ball diamonds project, stating, “The success of the ball diamonds has far exceeded the expectations I had when we began. Rob and the entire Parks Department have worked diligently to ensure each tournament is successful, and as a result, we’re seeing profits on a weekly basis. The return on investment for Decatur County taxpayers has been extremely high.”
Pasel further explained, “The total cost of the project was $1.8 million, with the County contributing $300,000. A signed promissory note ensures that $200,000 will be repaid from ball diamond profits, leaving only a $100,000 net contribution from the County.”
He emphasized that this relatively small investment of tax dollars has already drawn in significant outside dollars and will continue to do so, strengthening the Decatur County tax base well into the future.
Rob was very proud to announce that they have thirty-five tournaments already scheduled for 2026.
This article is owned by WTRE and written by Chris Ramey
