Vidalia officials are planning a renovation and expansion of the town’s existing recreational complex that officials are saying could cost approximately $7 million.

The complex, for which Town Engineer Bryant Hammett is now drawing up plans, would include baseball, softball and soccer fields, tennis courts and a walking trail.

Vidalia officials have already done their homework, visiting Laurel to see what recreational facilities that city has built and how that project was funded.

They even brought back drawings to assist them with their own plans.

Why the need for such improvements in Vidalia?

As recreation officials have said, the current Alabama Street complex is increasingly pressed for space, given Vidalia’s growth.

The facility, which was built about 40 years ago, has served its users admirably &045;&045; with the help of a core of dedicated volunteers and the community’s support. Now, however, it is being overtaxed.

We’re stopping short of endorsing a funding source for the proposed project &045;&045; at least until we see all the options town officials plan to present at a public hearing set for next month.

However, we applaud the town’s efforts to think ahead about ways to address some of Vidalia’s most pressing needs, recreation among them.

They’re working to make sure children have an adequate place to play ball decades from now.

Meanwhile, we encourage Vidalia officials to take the full range of public comment into consideration when finalizing their design and considering funding options.