CENTRALIA — The City of Centralia announced Monday that Gaetti Sports Academy will host a groundbreaking ceremony Thursday at 10 a.m. at the location of its new building on the grounds of the old Meadow Woods Country Club at 1750 Tee Lane in Centralia.

Gary Gaetti, a former professional baseball player and Centralia native, has been working with his development partners, Meadow Woods Holdings, to design a sports development facility in Centralia that will serve the Southern Illinois region.

Centralia’s Economic Development Director, Rose Aldag-McVey says the City is excited that the first phase of the Meadow Woods Development is beginning construction of the estimated $4.6 million dollar project.

In addition to Gaetti, fellow professional player Kirk Rueter will be present at Thursday’s groundbreaking ceremony.