Consultants present draft HAPO Center master plan; county commissioners praise progress

Consultants presented a draft master plan for the HAPO Center campus and surrounding 100 acres during a Franklin County Board of Commissioners workshop Wednesday, laying out market analysis, proposed new and reconfigured facilities, and early financing and implementation considerations.

Charles Johnson, a consulting lead on the study, told the Board the draft builds on a prior Tri‑Cities convention and visitor market study and aims to present a combined business plan and physical master plan for the HAPO Center campus. “This facility is good because its local use as well as tournament use,” Johnson said, arguing the site can support a mix of local recreation, tournaments and Class‑B expo and entertainment events.

The draft, prepared by Johnson and consulting partner Bridal Cole with planning lead Brian (last name not specified in the meeting), recommends: expanding outdoor tournament capacity (a “pinwheel” softball complex), upgrading the arena and expo/banquet spaces (new scoreboard, seating reconfiguration, HVAC improvements), infill commercial development near Convention Center Drive (hotels, restaurants, family entertainment), additional parking, improved pedestrian and vehicle…