The city of Columbus has approved a $25 million investment in a new soccer training facility at McCoy Park, generating both excitement and apprehension among Southside residents.

Facility Details and Funding

The project, spearheaded by the Haslam Sports Group, will include five soccer fields and a dedicated parking lot. Funding for the facility will be a collaborative effort, with matching contributions from the county and private investors.

Economic and Social Impact

City officials selected the McCoy Park location to encourage economic growth on the South Side, an area that has experienced limited private investment. The Haslam Sports Group has also pledged a $12 million private donation over the next 12 years to support early child development programs and address food insecurity within the county.

Resident Reactions

While some residents are optimistic about the potential benefits, others have voiced concerns. Dave Rowe expressed hope that the development would improve the area, stating, “Homeless people, hopefully, will be out of there and all the trash, you know, and they’ll fix it up over here. Make it nice and everything.”

However, Laverne Dotson, a Southside resident, expressed disappointment over the loss of a planned adaptive park for her grandson, who has special needs. She explained, “Because of his strength in his hands and things, and he would have been able to, with it being across the street, we could go there many, many times a day.”

Traffic and Access Concerns

Neighbors have also raised concerns about increased traffic, particularly regarding school bus routes. Dotson questioned, “There is nine different school buses that comes into this area. How are they going to get in and out during busy season for them?”

City Response and Future Plans

City leaders have confirmed the site location is final but have committed to addressing resident concerns. New legislation mandates the mayor’s team to establish a working group with neighbors and submit a plan for an alternative park location by the end of the year.

The Haslam Sports Group is also required to contribute $3 million to fulfill existing agreements and ensure community access to portions of the complex.

Other Local News

Meanwhile, other developments are underway in the Columbus area. A lawsuit has been filed regarding a stalled $100 million project in Upper Arlington, and a deer population control program in Worthington has begun. Federal investigators are also examining a fatal crash on I-71 for potential fraud.