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Winter Park leaders consider baseball stadium options

WINTER PARK, Fla. — Winter Park city leaders want to build a minor league baseball stadium that could cost more than $40 million. The city is considering four sites for the baseball stadium.

The least expensive option is to revitalize the existing Harper Shepherd Field at Rollins College at a cost of $20 million. The next option would be to build a stadium at the city-owned MLK Park for $26 million.

A third option leaders are considering is the Winter Park Tech property, owned by the Orange County School District. The most expensive site for a baseball stadium would be Ravadauge, a private high-end development, and it would cost $41 million. The Ravadauge option is pricey because the developer wants to be paid to allow the stadium on his property.

"I'd be happy to see it so I can take my son. It's a pastime that'd be great," resident Jesus Lecue said.

Many are hoping the new stadium will be home to the Brevard County Manatees by Spring 2016. The Manatees currently play at the Space Coast Stadium in Brevard County, but one of the team's owners lives in Winter Park.

"I think that would be wonderful. I think anytime you can bring any sports or fitness to the area it's good for families, it's good for kids to see that," resident Jennifer Colchado said.

The cost of the baseball stadium would be split between the city, the team and Rollins College. The stadium would also be used for city events.