COLUMBUS — Work on the planned soccer complex at Burns Bottom in downtown Columbus could begin by January, officials said at the final public hearing for the project Thursday.
About 50 citizens showed up to discuss amenities for the complex, already expected to cost more than $3.5 million.
The meeting was the third and final public hearing before the city finalizes the design for the 23-field complex in Burns Bottom.
The first phase of the design is already 75 percent finished, said city engineer Kevin Stafford.
The first phase of the project would encompass the construction of fields, lighting, parking, restrooms, concessions, a playground, a waterfall-like feature tying into Moore”s Creek, and some multi-use trails.
Future phases could include pavilions around two tournament-ready soccer fields, a community hearth, an environmental and educational center, a suspension bridge over the creek connecting to the environmental center, more trails, boardwalks through wetland areas and a Riverwalk connector running under Highway 182.
James Trimm, who was one of the few who filled out a comment card, said he was impressed with all the amenities, but especially with nature projects like the waterfall.
“I think it”s an awesome plan and a nice thing to have over there,” Trimm said.
Berry Hines, also at the meeting, said the community needed to get behind the project, which would replace an “eyesore” of the city.
“This is the kind of thing the community needs to invest in to grow,” he said.
“I like the idea,” he continued. “You look at it now, it”s not just a soccer complex … it”s a place that”ll be used every day.”
One issue raised in the discussion period of the hearing was safety concerns at the large park.
“I”m sure it would be a fun place,” said Cynthia Waites, who was also at the meeting. “It just doesn”t look safe.”
The waterfall, especially, would presents a hazard to children when their parents are not nearby, she said.
The waterfall will have 1-3 inches of water spilling over a series of roughed-concrete steps where children can play.
Addressing her concerns, Columbus-Lowndes Recreation Authority Executive Director Roger Short said safety precautions would be in place at all interactive areas, but supervision would be essential.
“One thing that”s got to happen is parents need to supervise their children,” he emphasized.
On a whole, the response was almost entirely positive, he said after the meeting.
“We”re ready for (the sportsplex). We”re excited,” he said. “It”s been a long time coming.”
The city will advertise for bids in the last week of October, award the bid to a contractor in December and begin building in January, Stafford said. The complex should be finished by soccer season next year in late September.
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