Former Grand Park director returning to construction industry

The former director of Westfield’s Grand Park Sports Campus confirmed Monday that he resigned from the position.

Ken Alexander, who oversaw the operations of the nearly 400-acre sports park for about a year and a half, told IBJ his last day was Wednesday and that he plans to return to the construction industry.

“Although my next opportunity will take me away from Westfield, I recognize that I have created relationships that will continue for years to come and I hope that my construction career will bring me back to help continue the economic development that is the inspiration behind Grand Park,” Alexander said in a prepared statement.

The city has declined to say whether an interim director will be appointed or if there will be a search for a new director.

Alexander started in February 2015, which is when the city created the position. Prior to that, the city used a transitional management group to run the campus for its first year of operation.

Alexander was responsible for working with anchor tenants that stage Grand Park events, like Bullpen Tournaments and Indiana Sports Properties, and coordinating the park’s contracts and vendor relationships.

During his time as director, a privately-funded basketball and volleyball facility now known as Jonathan Byrd’s Fieldhouse and an indoor soccer complex known as the Grand Park Events Center, were constructed and opened on the campus.

Grand Park also features 31 soccer fields, 26 baseball and softball diamonds and 10 miles of multi-use trails.

“Grand Park has been a highlight of my career that knows no equal,” Alexander said in his statement. “To first assist in the construction and then run the facility has provided me with a unique opportunity every sports enthusiast craves.”

Before becoming the director of Grand Park, Alexander served as the city’s director of public works for almost two years and worked on construction projects with The Hagerman Group and Clark Construction. He has a degree in construction and engineering management from Purdue University.