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Commissioners back a study and design focus for an NCAA‑caliber cross‑country course at Regional Sports Complex
Summary
Following a Hunden Partners feasibility recommendation, the board directed staff to prioritize designing an NCAA‑caliber cross‑country course for the Regional Sports Complex using a $500,000 state appropriation; commissioners asked that design work be sized to realistic phases and to avoid premature commitments to high‑cost amenities like artificial turf or indoor arenas unless private partnerships are secured.
Parks and tourism staff asked the board for direction on phase‑two planning for the Regional Sports Complex on Oct. 22. Hunden Partners recommended a package that could include an NCAA‑standard cross‑country course, four turf multipurpose fields, an indoor facility with multiple courts, additional baseball/softball fields and spectator/support facilities. The grants department noted a $500,000 state appropriation specifically targeted to the cross‑country course and supporting parking and facilities.
Commissioners debated priorities and costs. Some members favored pursuing the cross‑country course and parking/amenities first, using the $500,000 appropriation for design and early construction elements; others cautioned against immediately committing to very expensive elements such as artificial turf fields or a large indoor arena without a public‑private partner. Staff confirmed the county has about $400,000 in regional‑park impact fees that may be used for site‑specific improvements on county property, subject to the impact‑fee study’s eligible projects list.
The board provided staff direction to engage consultants to design the cross‑country course and produce a narrower “test‑fit” master plan that aligns the course with phased future development of the remaining 200+ acres. Staff will return with refined scopes and cost estimates. The county also noted early conversations with the North Florida Land Trust about adjacent 421 acres that could provide trail networks and public access that complement the course.
What’s next: Staff will pursue a limited‑scope design and financial analysis for the cross‑country course and related support facilities, test‑fit options for the remaining acreage and report back with cost estimates and potential funding pathways.
