City to seek $1.5 million state grant for soccer complex; board authorizes notice of intent
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Summary
Springfield's board authorized staff to file a notice of intent to apply for a $1.5 million Local Parks and Recreation Fund grant to build a soccer complex on newly acquired land; the vote to file the notice passed 7–0.
SPRINGFIELD — The Board of Mayor and Aldermen unanimously authorized staff to file a notice of intent to apply for a $1,500,000 Local Parks and Recreation Fund (LPRF) grant through the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation for a proposed soccer complex.
City staff said the property was recently acquired and the proposed project would build turf fields outside the floodway while preserving grass fields in floodplain areas. "That would be a 1,500,000 grant," staff said, adding the project aligns with the parks master plan and would free up other city parkland for baseball and softball expansion.
Staff told the council the notice of intent does not immediately allocate grant funds; if the board approves the application in the future, related funding would be included in the FY 2027 budget and remaining funds possibly allocated in FY 2028 as work continues. Council members discussed floodplain and floodway distinctions, site layout, and community benefits; after discussion the board voted to authorize filing the notice, 7–0.
The authorization enables staff to pursue the state grant opportunity and return with application materials and a phased funding plan for council review.
