By Mark Hofmann mhofmann @heraldstandard.com Apr 19, 2023

The start of a new sports complex and the possible additions of two popular restaurant chains were big news last year in South Union Township.

“We went forward with probably the biggest thing with plans to build our indoor sports complex,” said Supervisor Robert Schiffbauer.

Officials broke ground on an indoor sports complex last year. The $4.5 million complex involves the renovation of and addition to a building on Pennsylvania Avenue next to OC Cluss Lumber that was originally owned by the lumber company. The complex will include 18,000 square feet of playing surface that can be utilized for a variety of sports from soccer to flag football to baseball practice. There will be a 6,000-square foot addition on the front and side of the building.

Plans also provide for meeting rooms, restrooms and concession stands.

The township purchased the building in 2018.

“We’re hoping to have (the complex) completed and open for business by the end of this year,” Schiffbauer said.

For the project, the township used $793,100 of its own money. An additional $4.29 million in bank financing will fund the remainder of the project.

Schiffbauer added that the project involves adding an entryway, a weight room, an exercise room and a seating area so parents can enjoy food and drinks while their children are taking part in sports-based activities.

“It’s going to be a really nice facility where it can be enjoyed by everyone,” Schiffbauer said.

The township also took strides in other areas.

Schiffbauer said work was completed last year on the Picnic Park located along Sheepskin Trail. There, people can have picnics and community events, he said, noting the area has grown in popularity. The township also hosted its popular Haunted Treats on the Trail, which attracted between 5,000 and 6,000 people, in October.

“(The Sheepskin Trail) has become one of the focal points of the township,” Schiffbauer said.

Schiffbauer added they also were able to finish the trail access from Lick Hollow Road into the Lick Hollow State Forest Picnic Area with anonymous donations that allowed them to upgrade the road portion that leads to the park.

Also in 2022, two restaurant chains approached the supervisors about setting up shop in South Union Township. The first was Chick-fil-A, and Schiffbauer said they still are waiting on the final word about whether the popular chain will place roots in Fayette County.

The second was Chipotle Mexican Grill, which has submitted plans for an establishment where the parking lot of the former Kmart was located.

“These are two nice, first-class additions, both very professionally run,” Schiffbauer said.

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Source: Herald-Standard
https://www.heraldstandard.com/special_sections/progress/south-union-breaks-ground-on-sports-complex-continues-to-develop-sheepskin-trail/article_12428174-ccc7-11ed-9685-375bac3a2b51.html