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Now Hillsborough Board Likes Norman's Plan For Soccer Complex

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By MIKE SALINERO | The Tampa Tribune

Published: June 17, 2008

TAMPA - A $15 million soccer complex would help fund operations and maintenance of Hillsborough County's sprawling parks and recreation system.

The 30-field complex was the most expensive item in a $47.6 million master spending plan presented to county commissioners today.

In 2007, commissioners asked the parks department for a plan to spend $40 million set aside for a multisport complex proposed by Commissioner Jim Norman called Championship Park. The commission killed Norman's idea but reserved the money for youth recreation.

Today, a majority of commissioners signaled support for the complex. The commission will have a more detailed discussion of the projects on July 16. A public hearing on the list will be held Aug. 6.

Parks director Mark Thornton said no site has been chosen for the complex, which he hopes will bring in soccer tournaments from across nation.

"We believe, from studies previously presented to the board, there will be revenue opportunities," Thornton said.

He said commissioners want a site that's accessible to major roads. That rules out Cone Ranch, county-owned land in a rural area near Plant City that Norman had targeted for Championship Park.

The price of land also will play a big part in the decision, Thornton said.

The soccer fields would get a boost from a new soccer stadium and professional soccer team Thornton said are coming to Hillsborough County He said a private group is going to build the stadium and bring a pro team here, but he had no other details.

A professional franchise would raise interest in the sport in the area through partnerships and outreach programs for children, Thornton said. The excitement would raise the county's soccer profile, making the complex a magnet for large tournaments, Thornton said.

Reporter Mike Salinero can be reached at (813) 259-8303 or msalinero@tampatrib.com.

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