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Kemper Sports pitches Dawson Park expansion; consultants estimate $26.5M direct impact and year‑5 hotel demand
Summary
Kemper Sports presented a feasibility study for a large, phased sports complex at Dawson Park in Oconee County, projecting up to 62 events, about 55,000 nonlocal room nights at year five under its largest synthetic‑turf scenario, and material operating subsidy needs in early years. Commissioners pressed for clearer estimates of taxpayer cost and hotel capacity.
Kemper Sports presented a multi‑phase feasibility study for Dawson Park on Dec. 2, projecting a regional sports destination and recommending a phased build beginning with 10 full‑size outdoor multipurpose fields on about 92 acres.
The consultants — introduced by Steve Gorris, senior vice president, and led in analysis by Richard Stiffenger — laid out four development scenarios that vary by indoor facilities and whether outdoor fields use synthetic turf or natural grass. Their most intensive model (indoor and outdoor with synthetic turf) showed the county could support as many as 62 events annually at maturity and generate roughly 55,000 nonlocal…
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