COWPENS, S.C. - Dr. Julie Fowler proudly stood behind a podium at the former Cowpens Middle School Monday morning, where she announced that the building and land will continue to serve as a place where memories are made.

The school district officially announced its plans to build the Eastside Sports Complex. The 26 acres of land will be converted in the coming years, making space for baseball, softball and a football field. As for the building, the plans are to keep a portion of it to serve as an office area and the gymnasium will be used for basketball and volleyball games.

Spartanburg School District 3 chair, Chris Jolley, spoke about why the district decided to choose this route for the facility. "Youth sports are vital to creating a well-rounded person. Whenever we can get these kids out of the homes and on the ball fields, and playing with others and competing and making themselves better, we all win."

Also in attendance were local and state officials such as Representative Dennis Moss and Spartanburg County Council Vice Chair David Britt. Through the efforts of these men and others, the state has already pledged more than two million dollars to the project. Officials say they are still waiting for more bids before construction can begin.