History of the Optimist complex
A few far-sighted and creative members began discussing the possibility of improving the lack of ball diamonds by finding land and developing our own activities center. Selma Stock had 80 acres of land on the north east corner of 50th and Rochester which was a perfect location, just across the street from Seaman High school. A group of twenty members each donated a thousand dollars to get the project started. Rick Schmidt and Mike Bates surveyed the land and designed the complex. A fundraising project, “The Sunrise Optimist Sports Complex Fund,” was started which included selling raffle tickets to win a ’68 Ford convertible Indy 500 pace car. A Grand Opening and ribbon cutting ceremony was held on Friday September 30, 1988.
In the summer of 1988 the decision was made to build buildings, parking lots, fences, and back stops for ball diamonds on the property. Other than the grading, the Optimists themselves will put in fences, landscape the complex, and do the other work. Ninety percent of the physical labor will be done by the membership. Rick Schmidt, the Optimist member who surveyed the area said, “I feel it’s going to benefit everybody in North Topeka.” Phase one was the baseball diamond and two T-ball diamonds. In 1989 the kitchen and restroom part of the building was built. The remaining part of the building was built later. The other diamonds were built in 1990 and play began that year. In 1994-95 the additional building was completed. Mike Bates said, “It was like an old fashioned Barn Raising. We all were all best friends and we worked together. The building was raised in a weekend.” Sidewalks and a play area was added after 1995.