Palm Coast Looks to Get in the Game with Sports Complex

Sports facilities are not only an important amenity for local residents, they can also be an economic driver for a community. With the completion of a sports feasibility study, Palm Coast is poised to move forward with plans to create a sports complex on the city’s west side.

At a recent City Council workshop, a comprehensive presentation highlighted the potential a sports complex has for community engagement and economic development.

Acknowledging the growing need for recreation amenities as Palm Coast experiences smart-managed growth, the City Council approved the Parks Master Plan in early December. The plan outlines goals and strategies for the development of facilities that not only meet the demands of the expanding community but also position Palm Coast as a destination for sports enthusiasts, events, and tournaments, according to a city media release.

The proposed sports complex, set to be located on the currently undeveloped western extent of Palm Coast, includes 112,000 square feet of indoor facilities with basketball courts, volleyball courts, multipurpose rooms and support space. Outdoors, the facility would be comprised of 16 synthetic turf fields, four natural grass fields, five support buildings, and a court for food trucks. This future venue has the potential to serve as an economic catalyst for the prosperity of Palm Coast, attracting visitors and creating sustainable revenue streams, the release states.

The city is working on various initiatives to make the sports complex a reality, including seeking private funding. Several companies have an interest in helping build, manage, and fund these types of projects. The City Council gave consensus to collaborate with these entities to bring this vision to fruition in Palm Coast, according to the release.

At the workshop, Councilmember Theresa Pontieri expressed strong support for the proposed facility.

“This is necessary,” she said. “This will achieve so many goals for the city. I’m excited about it.”

Pontieri said the complex would also be an important economic component for the city.

“I think this is something that is economic recession-proof,” she said. “It could be compensation when the housing market goes down.”

Councilmember Nick Klufas said the sports complex is a good idea for the city.

“I think there is no doubt this is where we need to go,” he said. “I think this is the time we start to look at a major sports facility like this.”

In addition to providing an amenity for residents, the proposed sports complex would also have a positive economic impact on the city, according to the release. Studies indicate that the high volume of traffic passing through Palm Coast on Interstate 95 makes it an ideal location for attracting sports groups. By hosting tournaments and events, Palm Coast aims to capture the attention of these groups, who currently travel to other destinations such as Central and South Florida, the release states.