POINT PLEASANT — As work continues on the new athletic complex at Point Pleasant Junior Senior High School, athletic complex committee members are seeking out ways to fund the project.

According to Mario Liberatore, member of the athletic complex committee, the committee borrowed $700,000 for the complex. The $700,00 bonds were issued through the Mason County Building Commission and purchased by Ohio Valley Bank.

Although the committee has secured several promise donations, which are paid over an eight year period, Liberatore said that the committee is still $250,000-$300,000 short of paying back the $700,000.

“We need individuals and businesses to help pay (the money) back through gifts or donations. If anyone is inclined to make a donation they can do so in a lump sum, make monthly payments or make annual payments,” Liberatore said, adding that donations of any size would be utilized for the facility.

According to Liberatore, the $700,000 is being used to finish Phase I of the facility, which will include a football field, track, bleachers, lighting and pressbox when complete. Phase II will see the construction of the field house, which will have concession stands, restrooms, locker rooms and tennis courts. Plans also call for the revitalization of the softball and baseball fields by adding permanent bleachers and bringing lights from Sanders Field to illuminate the grounds. The athletic complex also will be available to Wahama High School and Hannan High School, and will be used for playoff games.

Denny Bellamy, athletic complex committee member, described the athletic complex as an economic development project for the area. He emphasized the importance of funding the facility and encouraged all alumni to be part of its history.

“(The complex) is not only your alma mater but it’s your hometown,” Bellamy said.

Liberatore agreed that Point Pleasant High School alumni should be proud and take part in helping with the complex.

“All of Mason County and alumni from Point Pleasant will be proud of the facility even if they don’t live here,” he said. “It will improve the quality of life for young people. When people move that is what they look for.”

Bellamy also described building and funding the athletic complex as a bold statement of Mason Countians still being able to support their youth in times of economic distress.

“It is important that future generations know that during this time period in our country with the economy, people who lived here still invested in our youth and the future of our kids,” Bellamy said, adding that he encouraged others to make history by investing in the project.

Currently bleachers are being installed at that athletic complex and are expected to be complete by next week, Liberatore said. The press box as well as scoreboard also are on schedule to be installed next week. The soccer lines have been painted as well. The facility will be open for the first home football game. Concession stands will not be complete in time for the first game, but a tent will be set up for concessions, Liberatore said.

According to Liberatore, once the bleachers are complete work will begin on the track.

In addition, those who purchased commemorative bricks for the entrance of the facility will be able to view their bricks at the first football game. According to Liberatore, 312 bricks have been purchased for the first wall and bricks are now being sold for the second entrance wall. Liberatore encouraged others to purchase bricks as soon as possible because they are selling fast.

Parking passes also are being sold for the complex. Passes are $30 each and will be used for all five home games and exhibition games. According to Liberatore, the parking lot is already half full of reserved spaces. Both bricks and passes can be purchased at Ohio Valley Bank and the tourism center. In addition, reserved seating will be available within the next two weeks and are available for purchase at Ohio Valley Bank.

“We appreciate all that have helped with this project and the businesses and individuals that have donated. I encourage other people to help us not only pay off the bonds, but help to expand the complex for the future phase,” Liberatore said.