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Council approves $1.09 million land purchase, greenlights park study for Evansville sports complex
Summary
After extended debate over floodplain, access and projected economic benefits, the Vanderburgh County Council approved a $1,088,030 land purchase and a roughly $77,000 park study to support expansion of the Deaconess/Gable sports complex; two members abstained, four voted yes.
The Vanderburgh County Council on July 10 approved the purchase of adjacent land for the Deaconess/Gable sports complex and authorized a related park study, drawing questions from several council members about floodplain exposure, elevation and long‑term costs.
John Montestra, who led appropriations discussion in James Rabin’s absence, moved the measure to buy the parcel for $1,088,030 and to fund a park study (the study amount was discussed in the meeting as approximately $76,970–$77,970). Montestra said the pair of requests together would help the county plan future sports and outdoor tourism investments.
Alexis Bergam, identified in the meeting as the CVB’s executive director, told the council the purchase would protect the opportunity to expand the sports complex and argued the broader plan could bring significant visitor spending. “Of those 10 events taken holistically, they drive $2,500,000 of economic impact,” Bergam said, noting the CVB’s tracking of room blocks and event data.
Opponents and cautious members pressed staff on elevation and floodplain concerns. One council member asked whether parts of the 66‑acre parcel sit in the 100‑year flood plain and whether fill or bridges would be required to connect the land to existing fields. Bergam and staff responded that much of the parcel sits at elevations in the high 380s while a floodway strip sits nearer to 375–376 feet and that the study would recommend suitable development strategies. “We’re not certainly purchasing this land without a plan,” Bergam said.
Council members who supported the purchase stressed the risk of losing an adjacent parcel if the county delayed. “You only have a few chances to buy the land that’s next to you,” one supporter said, arguing the county has previously paid much higher prices after letting opportunities pass.
After discussion, the council voted to approve the land purchase and study. The roll call recorded four yes votes (including President Hahn and Council members Dye and Montresdell) and two abstentions (Council members Kiefer and Schettler); no ‘no’ votes were recorded. The motion passed with the abstentions recorded during the roll call.
Next steps: staff said the study will deliver recommendations on a cross‑country course and other outdoor‑tourism opportunities and that detailed design and access planning will follow the study’s findings.
