Sports Complex Plan Moving Ahead
The dream is back.
After a brief derailment, plans are again on track to build the NorthPointe Sports Complex.
The new proposal includes five lighted softball fields, two volleyball courts, two basketball courts, an inline-skate hockey rink, a skateboard area, concession stand and parking for 375 cars.
Details still need to be worked out, including exactly how the complex is going to be paid for, and who will manage it.
The city Park Board decided to move ahead with the project last week after hearing a presentation by Jerry Draggoo, a parks and recreation planner from Portland.
The goal is to have the sports complex open by next spring.
The next step is to invite proposals from companies or organizations interested in developing and running the sports complex. The $3.2 million project is proposed on 34 acres of city park land near Holland Road and Colton, east of NorthPointe. The land was originally the Cozza-Calkins sewage stabilization pond. The Parks Department bought it from the Wastewater Management Department about three years ago.
Along with the sports complex, the site includes three acres for a neighborhood park with a picnic area, playground and restrooms, and eight acres of conservation area with trails.
To be financially successful, the sports complex operator will probably have to charge admission, sell wine and beer, and sell advertising space, Draggoo said.
Ed Bowers, Parks Department accountant, said city money could be used in combination with private money to finance this project. Debt service, like the mortgage on a house, is estimated at $285,000 per year.
According to projections, the complex will bring in a net profit of $80,000 per year.
The profit, however, is dependent on beer and wine sales averaging $100,000 per year, food and soft drink sales of $206,500, gate tokens adding $65,000, and $20,000 from outfield advertising.
Without those elements, the complex might not break even. Although no one complained at the board meeting last week, it was noted that some of the revenue sources could be controversial.
Alcoholic beverages are allowed at city golf courses, and by permit at Riverfront Park, but forbidden at other city parks. No other parks feature outdoor advertising.
No other city softball facilities charge admission. The proposed $1 tokens, in lieu of an admission fee to the fenced softball area, could be used toward snacks at the concession stand, Draggoo suggested.
“We will have to squeeze every penny we can out of this project to make it work,” said Draggoo. The city will request proposals from private businesses to design, build and manage and possibly even finance the sports complex.
Soccer fields aren’t mentioned in the plan. The diamonds are designed for softball. Other city softball fields might be reworked for baseball. Park Board member Carl Boston suggested going slow on the project.
“We started fast last year and the dream fell apart in six months,” he said. “Let’s not rush it. Softball isn’t going to go away.”
Last spring, the city worked out a deal with the Spokane Metro Softball Association to develop the complex. Some grading was done before fundraising efforts fell apart.
The city already has 29 adult softball fields that are usually booked solid with games through the summer.
“We are getting a sports complex within a park. We are getting a better product for the public,” said Paul Crutchfield, assistant parks director.
, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: North Pointe Sports Complex