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Kemper Sports says Dawson Park could draw sports tourism but models show operating subsidy; commissioners press for taxpayer cost details
Summary
Kemper Sports presented a feasibility study for Dawson Park recommending a Phase 1 with 10 outdoor multipurpose fields (about 92 acres) and potential indoor expansion; consultants projected up to 62 events and about $26.5 million in direct annual economic impact at maturity but said an operating subsidy is expected in early years. Commissioners pressed for clearer estimates of taxpayer cost, hotel-room capacity and phasing.
Kemper Sports presented a market and feasibility study for Dawson Park at the Oconee County Board of Commissioners meeting on Dec. 2, outlining a multi‑phase plan that aims to serve local recreation needs while generating sports‑tourism revenue.
Steve Gorris, senior vice president of Kemper Sports, introduced the project team and passed the presentation to Richard Stiffenger, who summarized the market analysis and the firm’s development scenarios. Stiffenger said the Phase 1 concept includes roughly 92 acres with space for 10 full‑size outdoor multipurpose fields and parking; future phases could add six more fields and a roughly 90,000‑square‑foot indoor sport complex capable of eight basketball courts (crosslined) or 16 volleyball courts.
Stiffenger emphasized the county’s regional advantage: “We…
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