Rotary Foundation outlines plan for 15-acre sports complex on Armory property

Dustin Broadbent, a project representative working with the Rotary group, told the Houston County Commission the nonprofit is proposing a nearly 15‑acre sports complex on the county’s Armory property that would be funded and built by the foundation but maintained by the county.

The project “would consist of a sporting complex venue with several outdoor amenities,” Broadbent said. He outlined playgrounds, a splash pad with a 5,000‑gallon reservoir to recycle water, disc golf, three baseball fields, three softball fields, LED lighting, digital scoreboards, two concession stands, three restroom buildings and an asphalt parking lot. “Ultimately, this would be on county property,” Broadbent said. “It would be the responsibility of the Aaron Rotary Foundation to make these monetary improvements on the property. But, obviously, it would be up to Houston County to keep up the property.”

Why it matters: Commissioners and nonprofit leaders said the Armory purchase expanded available acreage and made a large complex feasible. The presenters said neighboring counties’ facilities draw local families and economic activity; they argued a local complex could keep that activity in Houston County. The foundation seeks county support for operations and raised concerns about long‑term upkeep costs.

The Rotary representative and accompanying nonprofit leaders said the foundation has identified a funding partner and plans to apply for grant funding beginning in November 2025. Broadbent estimated the project cost at “a $6 to a $7,000,000 project,” and said, if funded, construction could begin in winter or spring 2026 with a likely 12–24 month build timeframe depending on weather and financing. He said the foundation is working with Bridal Engineering on design and hopes to finalize plans over the summer to meet the November grant timeline.

Presenters emphasized maintenance and staffing needs. Broadbent said the complex would likely require “a minimum of long term, probably 2 maintenance individuals” to mow, maintain landscaping, clean restrooms, manage trash and oversee the grounds. He and Melinda Conwell, identified as the Rotary foundation president, said the nonprofit would fund construction but expects the county to provide or fund ongoing maintenance.

The proposal also includes renovations to the Armory building (referred to as a veteran center) and use of a smaller building behind the Armory for mechanical space, restrooms and a concession stand; Broadbent said using that existing building would reduce the need for new structures. He told commissioners the Army’s property transfer is ongoing and that the county must own the land and building before some grants can be submitted.

Commissioners asked procedural questions and several voiced support for the concept; one commissioner called the presentation “the most positive thing I’ve heard” recently. The presenters said they will return with final designs and asked commissioners to consider the county’s operational commitment before the foundation submits grant requests.

The commission did not take formal action on the proposal at the meeting; presenters said the next steps are to finalize design plans and seek county input during late summer and early fall ahead of grant applications in November 2025.