Litchfield is one step closer to adding a sports complex after the city council approved a resolution on Thursday authorizing the submittal of a grant to help fund the project.

The IMPACT Soccer organization approached the City requesting assistance in locating a site for the development of fields. While in discussions, a grant cycle opened from the Illinois Department of Natural Resources' Open Space Land Acquisition and Development program.

The City and IMPACT Soccer will be partnering in the project, with the City owning the property and the club leasing, operating and maintaining it. Such a facility would include multiple fields for tournaments, and possibly multiple baseball fields as well.

A lease arrangement for the land is required for the application for the property, which would later be purchased by the City if the grant is awarded. The development would be considered the Route 66 Crossing Sports Complex.

The motion approved on Thursday allows the City to submit the application. Mayor Steve Dougherty told the council that they can back out of the project if the grant application is denied.

A public meeting will be held on August 1, in an open house format. Visitors will be able to view the concept plan and ask questions of Litchfield city officials. The meeting will be held at 5:45 p.m., prior to the city council meeting.