City-County Athletic Complex's goal of constructing an indoor facility by 2007 appeared unattainable in January after county funds were cut due to questionable financial records.

But new CCAC Director Karl Swihart believes the venture can still be accomplished and is organizing this year's events to maximize activity at CCAC's campus.

"We're focusing on developing this into a year-round facility," Swihart, who became director Feb. 6, said. "This could help us realize the full potential of the program."

Such activities as cross country skiing and art classes will be added to CCAC's schedule to provide events for the colder months of the year.

Along with strengthening financial policies and establishing accounting requirements, Swihart also is eyeing the advertising capabilities of signs and billboards to be placed throughout the sports fields.

He hopes to bring in larger sports tournaments, a move that could attract more out-of-town competitors into the Warsaw area.

"Ideally, we could reach our advertising goals and look at decreasing league fees," he said. "This is a complex supported by the city and county, and residents should pay as little as possible to be in our events."

Swihart, previously of LaPorte, was the recreation director of the town's park and recreation department for five years. He also worked with the National Softball Association as Indiana's state director.

He replaced CCAC Director Ethan Bontley, who's contract was not renewed in 2006.

The first event scheduled for the facility is the Budweiser Open, a 12-team softball tournament April 8. [[In-content Ad]]