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South Walton Family Sportsplex

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D

DCFinSCB

Beach Fanatic
Hello Folks!

I just wanted to supplement today's article in the Walton Sun regarding a sportsplex proposal with the actual proposal itself (see the attachment). I am more than happy to receive any comments or questions, and would be especially interested in anyone who wants to help and contribute. Also, check out US98 Soccer's website at www.us98soccer.com. A work in progress, just like this proposal.

Cheers!
Christian Franek
 
I red the article in the Walton Sun and wonder why on earth would we, here in SoWal, want the Panama City Semi- pro team to play in SoWal. Wouldn't it be better if SoWallers could actually play on the fields, rather than outsiders?
 
I got all excited when I saw this thread, envisioning a Sowal YMCA type facility w/ pool, indoor courts, exercise & classroom facilities............. :(

Tried to read the proposal, but all the numbers were missing. Is this because it's a rough draft? :idontno:

Seems like a pretty specialized and ambitious project considering the current facilities & infrastructure.

IMO public sports facilities for the current residents and area kids should come before a highly subsidized private facility. Boys & Girls club needs $ for basic facilities but we can afford space for a semi pro team based in a neighboring county?
 
Smiling JOe said:
I red the article in the Walton Sun and wonder why on earth would we, here in SoWal, want the Panama City Semi- pro team to play in SoWal. Wouldn't it be better if SoWallers could actually play on the fields, rather than outsiders?
Click to expand...

Good question. I don't necessarily advocate the Panama City Pirates playing all their home games in SoWal, but it would be an entertaining, educational, and revenue producing experience for everyone involved if they were able to play a few games here. With the fields constructed, they would serve primarily the residents here, youth through adults, rec soccer, middle school, high school, and even college (with the OWC coming in). Also, the fields would attract soccer, rugby, and lacrosse tournaments, a pretty well-heeled crowd, and potential real estate purchasers, both those who visit and see this type of infrastructure in place and those who would not consider purchasing somewhere without such infrastructure in place.

The Panama City Pirates are in a developmental league which allows high school, college, and professional players to play and develop. With the present and growing interest in soccer locally, I think the youth in the area, and perhaps a few adults, would enjoy the experience of attending such matches. It could plant the seeds of a soccer futures that lead to college scholarships, professional careers, or if nothing else, a very healthy love of and participation in a sport that is not only the most popular sport in the world, but a sport that people can participate in into their 60's.

Hope that helps. Let me know your thoughts.

Cheers!
 
scooterbug44 said:
I got all excited when I saw this thread, envisioning a Sowal YMCA type facility w/ pool, indoor courts, exercise & classroom facilities............. :(

Tried to read the proposal, but all the numbers were missing. Is this because it's a rough draft? :idontno:

Seems like a pretty specialized and ambitious project considering the current facilities & infrastructure.

IMO public sports facilities for the current residents and area kids should come before a highly subsidized private facility. Boys & Girls club needs $ for basic facilities but we can afford space for a semi pro team based in a neighboring county?
Click to expand...

The idea would be to start with fields, and then possibly develop around or within it, if the space evolves in that direction. With multi-purpose fields like the ones proposed, the largest and most expensive acquisition would be the land, as very few structures would be needed. In a way, it could be considered protected green space that could eventually evolve into maybe some of those items you mention. But our main focus is on these fields first.

It is a rough draft, so this is what we have so far. The idea of getting the proposal out there is to get this kind of feedback and getting people involved as the idea continues to gain traction and progress.

I agree the current facilities make this look ambitious, but certainly not out of the realm of possibility at all. Part of the reason is because our current facilities are not adequate, and by no means do I think this is a finished proposal that could not use some adjusting. There are other communities, similar in size, that have embraced these types of projects, and the response appears overwhelmingly positive.

I never said this would be highly subsidized, but it would probably work best with a mixture of public and private funding. If the public funding is not there, then we just shift our focus to investment from private funding and federal and state grants that are in place for just these types of facilities. I am afraid the process of depending directly on public funding or the Boys & Girls Club, neither of which I am aware of having a plan of this scope, is a process that is taking too long. These kids need space as soon as possible, and this proposal provides for making that a reality. If we can take this proposal to the next level, that is one more item the county or Boys & Girls Club does not have to worry about. Again, we would not be trying to be all things to all people, unless it naturally evolves that way.
 
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Hey DCFin does the guy in your avatar bald now? If it is who I think it is, I think he's a Manchester United fan! :floor::funn::rofl::rolling: Oh yea was he wearin a green soccer shirt this weekend?
 
thanks for the info christian. this looks like a really ambitious project - wow! at first glance, I felt that our community just isn't Atlanta or even Huntsville, so why do we need sports facilities such as this? But, on the other hand our little town has a growing population of families with children.. more and more and more children.. so, I do like your thinking on sports opportunities for SoWal children.geeze, the land must be prime real estate. and much of it is donated?I haven't heard a thing about Girls & Boys club in a long time. Don't konw what has happened with their plans.good luck to you and keep us up to date!
 
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