Leon County Commissioners want to revamp the North Florida Fairgrounds. A study authorized by the commission says the space could become a new economic generator with a few touches-- mainly the addition of an indoor sports complex. The facility could host tournaments, and special events like banquets and conferences. The study says the county could generate an additional $2 million to $3 million a year in rentals. Leon County Commissioner Nick Maddox says it could also serve as another community recreational outlet.
“Allowing folks to go in there and play basketball when there aren’t tournaments gives the community something to do and another gym to go to aside from Jack McClean," said Maddox. "So, as we get closer and closer to a decision on what to do here, my interest definitely will be in that indoor facility, with basketball courts and things of that nature.”
Leon County Commissioner Bill Proctor has spent years pushing the county to consider further investment at the fairgrounds. If the county moves ahead with the project, it may also push for greater control of the property. The addition of the complex could cost $12 million with $3 million in electrical and landscaping upgrades. The county has about $12 million of that on hand.
The commission voted to send the project to the inter-governmental agency, Blueprint 200 which manages revenues from the penny sales tax, which would be used to fund the construction of the complex.
Read the study here.
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