News
Desired Soccer Fields More Than a Parkland Purchase for Germantown
Date Posted: 2/15/2021
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Desired Soccer Fields More Than a Parkland Purchase for Germantown By Abigail Warren, Daily Memphian Germantown leaders see purchasing 44 acres for a park on the south side of town as more than just creating a sports complex. The property on Crestwyn Hills could become a “domino,” driving development while accomplishing goals outlined in the Comprehensive Parks and Recreation Master Plan aldermen adopted in 2018. As the city developed and approved the long-term plan, the public said they wanted more opportunities for recreational youth sports. Germantown OKs firm to study Crestwyn Hills parkland “We think we have to create a premier facility that expands Germantown residents' access to high-quality sports assets,” Pam Beasley, parks and recreation director, told the suburb’s Board of Mayor and Aldermen in a recent work session. “Some of our park amenities — though we have many and though we have nice – some of them don’t meet the quality of expectation from our citizens nor from the Germantown brand. We want to fix that.” If the city acquires the land and moves soccer there, C.O. Franklin Park, Bobby Lanier Farm Park, Cloyes Park, Oaklawn Garden and the Soccerplex on C.D. Smith on the eastern edge of Old Germantown would be redesigned to work better cohesively. Alderwoman Mary Anne Gibson said some goals could be accomplished without purchasing the complex, but not to the desired degree. “Those hopes and dreams the (Germantown) Charity Horse Show has of making and expanding their facilities, that can’t be accomplished without moving the tennis courts. And what soccer needs right now can’t be accomplished unless those soccer fields are combined and brought into a long field complex somewhere,” Gibson said. The long-field complex would be about 2 miles from Mike Rose Soccer Complex, but Beasley said the city never wanted to compete with the 136-acre site at East Shelby Drive and Forest Hill-Irene Road. Mike Rose was part of the steering committee for the master plan. The Germantown site could generate revenue acting as an overflow space for the Mike Rose fields. “We believe a facility of this type is already positioned for success due to the reputation of our community,” Beasley said. While the facility will likely be primarily for soccer, lacrosse, rugby and football could use the facility for tournaments which “positions those sports providers to generate funds,” Beasley added. City sports stakeholders desire synthetic turf as currently athletics are restricted by weather at the city’s facilities. The park purchase is expected to cost $2.3 million with extra funds needed for infrastructure improvements. Turf fields will cost $12.4 million, but Germantown Parks and Recreation will look for public-private partners to help fund the site. “There’s no way, nor has it ever been intended that the city of Germantown taxpayers would be the only funding source for these facilities,” Beasley said, adding external support is essential. Maintenance and operation could cost about $233,000 annually, but Beasley said while the city will own it, the desire is future partners will build and operate it. There is an opportunity to drive development and sports tourism to the area with a large soccer complex and infrastructure improvements the city plans for the area, Beasley added. Alderman Scott Sanders has expressed opposition to the purchase, noting drainage fixes on the site are expected to cost $2 million, according to an appraisal. Sanders said the document also stated only 70% of the site was usable. Alderman Jon McCreery had some pause related to the site, although he praised city staff’s effort. He worried about safety due to the proximity to Winchester and the city of Memphis border. McCreery also voiced concern that collaborating with Mike Rose was needed to be successful and how the city gets paid back. Those who use the site are likely to use Winchester and shop and dine in Collierville or Memphis, taking their sales tax dollars with them, McCreery cautioned. Some hope developers want to put hotels, restaurants and retail in the area with the soccer fields. The desired complex has an urban T5 zoning. It is bordered to the south by the West Tennessee State Veterans Cemetery. While this land is part of the Forest Hill Heights Small Area Plan adopted in 2016, a soccer complex is not identified in the document. “This is the economic driver that I see as a real coup for down in that area,” Alderwoman Sherrie Hicks said. Alderman Brian Ueleke highlighted the importance of the due diligence phase the city is undertaking. He also wanted to know the economic impact and potential it creates for the area. Germantown takes first step toward acquiring new park “I think there is tremendous opportunity to understand what could happen with this property,” Ueleke said. “But when we get to the actual purchase decision – whether we go or no go on this – I think it is important to understand the economic impact.” |
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The Germantown Legends are a premier youth soccer club located in Germantown, Tennessee. Established in 2011, the Legends Soccer Club focuses intensely on creating brave creative leaders for life. Our no guilt, no shame, no blame philosophy gives kids the confidence to get out of their comfort zone and create the big play in any situation! The Germantown Legends Soccer program is the official 'Soccer Provider' to the City of Germantown. For Field conditions, Inclement weather, Program updates, Camp information, etc., please visit the following: Facebook: Germantown Legends Soccer
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