Davidson County commissioners approve design contract, sponsorship plan for proposed Southmont sports complex amid wide public debate

Commissioners on Monday approved a sponsorship package and authorized a design contract to advance planning for a proposed Southmont Community Center and sports complex, a $65 million project that drew sustained public comment on traffic, environmental and emergency-response impacts.

Supporters and opponents used the meeting’s public address period to urge the board to either accelerate the project as a countywide youth and economic-development priority or to pause for additional traffic, environmental and infrastructure studies. After discussion, commissioners approved the sponsorship framework and a contract with Providence Partners to begin architectural and engineering design work.

The sponsorship plan presented by Parks and Recreation totaled roughly $6.97 million in identified naming-right opportunities, field sponsorships and area naming (including an overall naming sponsor and an aquatic sponsor). The board voted to approve the plan as a starting point to solicit corporate sponsors.

The board also approved a professional-services agreement with a design team (Providence Partners and subconsultants) to move the project from the concept plan to design and permitting. County staff said the negotiated contract for design services is $4,155,250. The board approved the design contract by roll-call (vote recorded 5–1). The contract covers “programming” and the next-stage design work, including surveys, wetland and environmental studies, a stormwater concept and initial permitting outreach.

Why this matters: The project is intended to provide tournament-grade fields and year-round recreational facilities, including indoor courts and an aquatic component, and is envisioned by county staff and proponents as both a community amenity and a driver of visitor spending. Opponents say the site—about 358 acres in Southmont under current concept drawings—would be too large for rural infrastructure and could worsen emergency-response times, traffic congestion and impacts on nearby residences and waterways.

What commissioners and staff said - County Manager Casey Smith and Parks Director Thomas Marshburn briefed commissioners on the RFQ process, the negotiated design-team scope, and the estimated design fee. Marshburn said the contract represents the base proposal for needed environmental, survey and permitting work to move a concept into a buildable design. - Brian Cone of Providence Partners explained the difference between the concept plan that has circulated publicly and a final, permit-ready design: "A field could completely be eliminated. If it's in a stream, you know, we could end up with 9 fields," he told commissioners, stressing that further study and agency feedback will refine the layout.

Public comments - David Chase (Beckner Road) said "The size and scope ... doesn't fit well in that part of the county," citing narrow roads and limited emergency services in Southmont. - Paula Noonan (Stone Creek Drive) said the N.C. Department of Transportation had told residents a project of the proposed scale would require a commercial driveway permit and trigger a traffic study and that the DOT had not yet been asked for approvals. - Jonas Nader, director of the Classic Soccer Program, described what he and other youth coaches see as a gap in county recreational options and argued the complex could channel youth activity and generate local economic impact from tournaments.

Scope and next steps - Staff said the approved contract funds the programing and design tasks necessary to produce survey-accurate plans for formal agency review (including DOT, river basin/watershed review and state environmental permitting). The next steps listed by staff include wetland delineation, endangered-species screening, traffic-impact modeling for DOT, and sewer/water coordination with utility providers. - Commissioners and staff emphasized the project remains subject to further design review, permitting and future approvals. Several speakers and commissioners asked for continuing public engagement; staff said project committee updates would return to the board as permitting and design progress.

Votes and formal actions - Sponsorship proposal: motion to approve the sponsorship framework and authorize staff to pursue naming and field sponsorships — approved (vote recorded in meeting as 5–1). - Design contract: motion to award architectural/engineering contract to Providence Partners for $4,155,250 — approved (vote recorded 5–1). Contract to be finalized in form by the county attorney before execution.

Concerns noted - Residents cited missing or incomplete traffic and environmental studies, potential impacts to Lake High Rock watershed, nighttime light and noise, and emergency medical services response times from Southmont. - Staff and the design team said those studies are part of the design/permitting phase and that DOT and environmental agencies will provide requirements as the project advances.

The board’s action authorizes design work to proceed but does not commit the county to construction funding or a construction schedule. Commissioners said a final construction award or bond authorization would return to the board for a separate vote.