Officials broke ground on Friday for a regional sports complex outside downtown Richmond.
The 280-acre property was purchased by Richmond in March of last year, after initial plans in 2020. The city invested $52 million in the park.
City commissioner Mike Brewer called the construction a “long time in the making.”
“We knew we had a deficit in our park system with acreage and things to do,” Brewer said. “So we got together and this property became available.”
It will include eleven soccer fields, courts for pickleball, tennis, volleyball and basketball, multiple trails and a dog park, among other amenities.
Richmond Mayor Robert Blythe says he expects the complex to bring the town an economic boost. There are plans for the park to host regional tournaments for youth soccer and the Pro Disc Golf Association.
“Some will stay, some will eat, all those kinds of things, and some will maybe take in some of the other attractions in the area,” Blythe said. “It will bring people from the region, and we pray in good numbers.”
The complex is scheduled to open in spring of 2026.
