An outdoor sports complex with baseball, softball, and soccer fields could attract big tournaments to bring in money for hotels and restaurants. But Orange Mayor Larry Spears said the complex would first serve local children.
A standing-room-only crowd came to the Orange Public Library Tuesday night for a public workshop on the possibility of building a sports complex.
Spears told the group the city doesn’t want to raise property taxes.
Business owner Mark Frey, who is president of the city’s Economic Development Corporation board, said money could could from the EDC money, the city, and the Hotel Occupancy Tax fund. He suggested private donations and industries could also contribute.
Spears also added the complex is an idea for the community. “This is in no way, shape or form, taking priority over a hospital” and other projects for the city, he said.
The room was full of supporters who touted the advantages for youth ball leagues and the possibility of economic development.
Jerry Vandervoort, an Orange native who is regional manager for SpawGlass construction, said local industries have had a hard time recruiting young professionals to move to Orange because of a lack of recreation for them. The complex could help attract more young professionals, he said.
District 1 City Councilor Pat Pullen said a sports complex could be a way to grow the population.
Spears said the city owns 128 acres of vacant land in the old Riverside area along the Sabine River off Simmons Drive. He’s heard people disparage that area.
“It’s a right part of town,” he said, adding “No longer will we say a certain part of town is not good enough.”
The city’s Boat Ramp is adjacent to the acreage and has been attracting thousands of people with national fishing tournaments.
Orange County Precinct 3 Commissioner John Gothia, who worked to get the Bassmasters tournaments, said the site is a “fantastic place” for a sports complex. He said the land is along the waterfront and off Interstate 10.
County Precinct 1 Commissioner Johnny Trahan said the complex “is a great idea” and would improve the “quality of life.”
Maddison Helm of Orangefield, who ran in the national Junior Olympics this past summer, said track participants and cross country races need to be considered in the design.
Spears said he and city Economic Development Director Jay Trahan visited some sports complex and the city had a PowerPoint presentation of different designs. The mayor said they learned that getting traffic in and out is important. Simmons Drive is off the interstate and is also a highway.
No estimates of costs for a complex were mentioned. After the meeting, volunteers could register to serve on an advisory committee to begin researching a local sports complex.
Spears said several more public meetings on the subject will be held in the future.
-Margaret Toal, KOGT-
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