Blue Springs, Mo. – The City of Blue Springs and the Parks & Recreation Department is currently in the process of purchasing the Sports City complex located at 425 NE Mock Avenue. The facility will assist in meeting some of our current and long term recreation programming goals and athletic space needs.
This purchase was made possible through a significant donation by Linda Edison, a long-time Blue Springs resident and former Park Commission Chairman. The remaining budget for the purchase and renovation of the facility will not require the city to issue any voter-approved debt.
“We are extremely grateful to have residents who are willing to step up and make Blue Springs a better community by not only donating time, but contributing financially within our community,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “This opportunity would not have been possible without Ms. Edison’s generous gift and tremendous heart for Blue Springs.”
The Sports City facility is over 76,000 square feet of recreational space that includes soccer fields, basketball courts, batting cages, locker rooms and meeting rooms.
“When the Sports City facility became available, we took a close look at the facility to determine if acquisition would be feasible and if it would line up with our recreation needs,” said City Administrator Eric Johnson. “We are very excited about the numerous recreational opportunities this facility will give our residents and visitors.”
City officials are currently undergoing a due diligence period to ensure the facility has no major structural defects or unforeseen issues. After the acquisition is completed, the facility will be closed to the public for renovations. The City will work with SFS Architecture to identify ways to include some of the priorities outlined in citizen surveys and recent strategic plans within the renovated facility.
“The purchase of this existing facility instantly allows the Parks & Recreation Department to better meet our community’s recreation programming needs outlined in multiple strategic plans,” said Parks & Recreation Director Dennis Dovel. “While this facility does not allow us to offer all of the community programming identified in the recent Community Center study, it does provide an outstanding opportunity for our Parks & Recreation Department to expand passive and active recreational offerings to the community we serve.”
“This new facility helps us meet some of our community needs, but it does not address our deferred park maintenance obligation or funding for future park development as outlined in our strategic plans and citizen surveys,” said Mayor Carson Ross. “The City Council, Park Commission and City staff will continue to seek ways to fund needed improvements throughout our parks system.”
The City plans to complete purchase of the Sports City facility in late October for $1.9 million dollars. The facility will be operated by the Blue Springs Parks & Recreation Department. For more information please contact the Parks & Recreation Department at 816-228-0137.
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