Tom White, president and CEO of Explore Evansville, and Luke Kessler, project manager for American StructurePoint, presented findings from two connected studies: a feasibility/design study for a potential NCAA‑level cross‑country course and a master plan for Burdette Park. Zach Wathan, Burdette Park director, summarized the park plan’s priority projects.

Why it matters: The studies outline options for sports‑tourism development and capital improvements that could affect county land use, capital budgets, grant applications, and local tourism revenue. Explore Evansville said the studies were paid from tourism capital improvement funds and were intended to inform decisions, not to seek approval for construction at this meeting.

Cross-country study (Millersburg property)
- Purpose and funding: Explore Evansville used tourism capital improvement funds to pay for the study; American StructurePoint performed the work.
- Site context: The Millersburg property is largely undeveloped and partly within a floodplain; it is adjacent to existing sports facilities but separated by a creek that would require a bridge (consultant estimated a bridge could cost in excess of $1 million).
- Course type and standards: The study reviewed requirements for an NCAA‑level national course; it notes a 600‑meter straightaway start as an NCAA standard. The preferred surface for a high-level cross‑country course identified in the study is maintained turf grass; organizers said a dedicated, compacted turf surface improves with repeated use.
- Cost estimates: The study presented conceptual cost ranges. A basic course build-out was estimated on the order of about $3.8 million; a “premier plus” course concept was estimated up to about $6.7 million. The study also included an engineering/civil estimate near $250,000 as a conceptual planning figure (the presenters said this was a study estimate, not a procurement or contract request).
- Events and revenue: The study estimated the site could host roughly 4–10 cross-country events annually; presenters said the packet included possible event fees and operational revenue scenarios but that a full economic-impact analysis (room nights, visitor spending) would require Simpleview or similar destination-management modeling to estimate net benefit.
- Site constraints and alternatives: Floodplain exposure was a major concern; presenters noted stormwater and site-grading work would be required for parking and permanent structures. The consultants and Explore Evansville said other county or privately held properties were also considered in the study; the Millersburg site is one option among several.

Burdette Park master plan (5-year)
- Study scope and public input: The master plan was part of the two‑part study; it included public outreach and produced a 163‑page plan identifying priorities and capital needs.
- The “big four” priorities identified by the master-plan work are: (1) renovate six overnight chalet/overnight buildings and Hickory Lodge; (2) expand the campground (the study cited a potential 12‑site full‑hookup expansion and additional shower house); (3) add park‑wide parking, prioritizing areas adjacent to pools and athletic fields; and (4) find a productive reuse or replacement for the former concessions building near the aquatic center (the facility has structural issues and long access stair climbs).
- Usage and revenue figures cited: Burdette Park director Zach Wathan reported the chalets generated roughly $133,000 in gross revenue last year and that the aquatic center recorded 75,112 visits last summer. The director noted that some current rates include nonprofit discounts and that net revenue and ROI would vary with any renovation and rate changes.
- Grants and partnerships: The park director said the master plan is intended to strengthen grant applications and private‑partner conversations (examples cited include William Grant and private naming-rights interest). Some projects may be suited to specific grants (for example, grants with health-related rubrics) while others will require private investment or multi-year budgeting.

Outcome and next steps
- No construction or appropriation was requested at the meeting; Explore Evansville and Burdette Park presented the studies for council review and asked for feedback. Presenters said they will continue to investigate sites, refine cost estimates, and pursue grants and partnerships.
- Presenters said short‑term demand for cross‑country events is sustained but that new permanent facilities would take multiple years to generate predictably recurring tourism business; presenters suggested 2027–2029 as a timeline window for recouping some events lost after the change at Angel Mounds.

Ending
The studies provide conceptual costs, site constraints, and program options and will be used to guide further analysis, grant applications, and budget planning. No vote or authorization to proceed with construction was recorded in the transcript.