Fairhope, Alabama
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| CR 13 Recreation land. |
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| Consulting team. |
STUDY TO BE COMMISSIONED
Monday, the city council is set to hire Tuscaloosa-based Gonzalez-Strength & Associates to conduct a feasibility study for a sports tourism complex on the city's 114 acre recreation land at the northwest corner of CR 32 and Hwy 13 (cost not to exceed $50K).
Landscape Architect Robin Gregory, who designed Foley's Sports Tourism Complex, is to be team leader; Victus Advisors and Chamblis-King Architects will be co-consultants as well, according to accompanying documents.
The first phase would include meeting with stakeholders, then a market feasibility study to determine existing conditions/needs; next a phase-two financial feasibility/economic impact study -- and then develop a master site plan with conceptual architectural renderings if warranted (new fields, indoor/outdoor facilities, concessions, and various other support services).
Both local youth and amateur league needs are to be considered: soccer, football, baseball, softball, tennis, pickle ball, basketball, etc. -- with an eye to attracting regional/national tournaments.
MAYOR WEIGHS IN
When asked about it by the Times mayor Sullivan replied only that she is "looking forward to the community engagement and the end report."
Councilman Burrell has long-advocated for more hotel rooms to accommodate events here; at one time even raised the possibility of a new hotel for this site -- or on nearby airport property.
The 114 acres is currently being rented to farmers.
The city purchased the property in 2019 for $2,650,000.
Comments
Sports tourism, especially when organized as a multi-event annual program, is often seen as a potential driver for local economic growth in small communities. However, to validate this assumption, there needs to be effective measurement tools in place. I am optimistic that, if the proposed project team is selected for the feasibility study, they will deliver accurate and honest results.
Foley has such a huge head start that was even more accelerated with OWA, the overall growth of HWY 59 and the proximity to the beach. Overflow to the proposed Sports Tourism for Fairhope could be influential to the community like partnering with communities like Foley. Or Fairhope can have success hosting smaller events.
There are auxiliary sports that are gaining momentum in larger markets, such as Lacrosse, Rugby, Field Hockey, etc. that needs specializing in this coastal area for events.
This “project” has been discussed ad nauseum for years. Also, advocating for hotel(s) at this proposed location has been conversed by multiple individuals.
It is needed, hopefully this exercise will make it passed the feasibility stage.