BEND, Ore. (KTVZ) – The Central Oregon Sportsplex Alliance is a coalition of community members, businesses, sports teams and partners committed to bringing first-class sports facilities to the region.
Their plans include multiple turf, multi-sport soccer, lacrosse, rugby, baseball and softball fields, indoor multi-purpose turf fields, indoor training and ice sports development areas, and possibly a multi-sport facility strategy that engages in It’s about developing. Commercial sports, retail, hotels, RV parks.
Additionally, the CO Sportsplex Alliance has created a scholarship fund to ensure all Central Oregon youth have access to the best facilities, leagues, and training in the region, essentially ensuring no child is left behind in sports. I want to create and manage it.
Derek Berry, president of the CO Sportsplex Alliance, presented the concept to the Bend Park and Rec Board of Directors Tuesday evening.
Berry says this is certainly a big undertaking, and with the right support it can be accomplished.
“We are thrilled to be working with Bend Parks & Rec,” said Julie Brown, communications and community relations manager for Bend Parks & Rec.
“Providing recreational spaces for our communities is something we think about every day, and there is an opportunity for partnerships to be involved in that. It remains to be seen whether this (Sportsplex Alliance) can really move forward. I don’t know. But you know, the board was interested in the center-wide aspect of this issue, so I think they would be open to further discussions.”
The Central Oregon Sportsplex Alliance says Redmond, at the Fairgrounds and Expo Center, is its first choice from a location standpoint.
Many say such a project would cost hundreds of millions of dollars.
As with any new proposed development, the main issue is funding.
Berry says no one wants to pay more taxes, but he feels the value of investing in parks and more facilities is a benefit to the community. Once the feasibility study is complete, private funding efforts will begin, along with public partnerships and support.