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Entrepreneur pitches youth sports complex to Blackford County council, seeks study and data-sharing
Summary
A local proponent outlined plans for an eight-field youth sports complex and presented national and regional economic-impact examples; presenters asked the council to consider a public-private partnership and to receive supporting data for further study.
A pair of local proponents presented plans for a multi-field youth sports complex to the Blackford County Council on Jan. 7, arguing the facility could generate sustained local revenue, jobs and demand for lodging and retail.
Justin Mitchell introduced the proposal and cited economic examples from other Indiana facilities, including Championship Park in Kokomo and Brandon Park in Westfield, which the presenters said generated tens of millions in local economic activity. Mitchell said an 8-field setup running 15 two-day tournaments could produce roughly $1.65 million in local revenue under certain attendance assumptions and suggested indoor facilities could multiply returns.
Presenters acknowledged figures were drawn from research and regional examples and offered to provide sources. Mitchell said the project could proceed as a public-private partnership (P3) or through a nonprofit model and that some county appropriated funds might be considered; he asked the council to accept their materials for follow-up study. Council members asked for the data sources behind the revenue estimates and for clarification on the presentersrole and any intended county financial commitment.
Council members expressed interest in exploring the idea but did not make any commitment to fund the project. The proponents said they had contacts and operating experience in tournament management and construction and would provide additional documentation if the council requested it.
What comes next: Presenters volunteered to deliver documented financial assumptions and development contacts for staff review; council asked staff to include any vetted materials in a future meeting packet.
