West Terre Haute residents propose ‘West Harrah Sports Complex’ near Amvets building

Melissa Rohrbach, representing Jesse Callahan and Scott Rohrbach, told the Vigo County Parks and Recreation Board during public comment that the group has submitted a letter of intent proposing a multi-sport facility they are calling the West Harrah Sports Complex, to be developed using the county-owned building near the youth football fields in West Terre Haute.

The proposal, Rohrbach said, would combine leadership and programming from West Vigo Youth Football and Team Green Wrestling and expand activities beyond football and wrestling to tennis, track and field, cross-country, cheer and gymnastics, golf, weightlifting, archery, fishing and e-sports. Rohrbach read the group’s mission into the record: “The West Harrah Sports Complex is dedicated to provide influential, supportive leaders to develop respectable youth, champions, and future leaders by way of providing sports experiences that will enhance their talent and skill development to be successful and dedicated community members in the town of West Terre Haute and the Riverfront community.”

Board members and staff asked for clarification about the specific site and building logistics. Members said the county already has an agreement in that area for West Vigo Little League Football fields near the Amvets facility and asked whether the proposal refers to that field area or to the building sometimes referred to in the meeting as “the grotto.” Parks staff told the board that the department now owns the building and that using it for storage “probably wouldn't be any issue,” but that permitting questions remain about whether it can be used as community space. Staff said they are working to remove some land from the floodway, and that the floodway status will influence what long-term structures or uses are possible.

Rohrbach said the proposers have drafted bylaws and an incorporation plan and that leadership and board structure would be shared to distribute operational responsibilities. She asked that the parks board consider the idea and said contact information was provided in the submission packet. Board members asked for a tour of the building and for details on the building’s condition, permitting constraints and what short-term versus long-term use would look like before taking further steps.

Discussion only: board and staff questions about building condition, floodway removal and permitting. No formal vote or direction to enter an agreement took place during the meeting.

Ending: Parks staff said they will follow up with the proposers and will provide more information about the building condition and permitting at a future meeting or via staff contact information provided by the proposers.