DECATUR -- With soccer growing in popularity, communities are scrambling to keep up with the growing need for places to play. But a new soccer complex may soon become a reality for the city of Decatur.
During the regular city council meeting on May 10, Decatur's mayor, Bob Tharp, unveiled a plan to build a new soccer complex on city property near Grant Avenue.
"After many months of listening to sport fans in Decatur, I recognize the need for more soccer fields that could be accommodated at Veterans Park," Tharp said. "With the recent purchase of land near Grant Avenue, I feel this would better serve the community as a new soccer complex."
Last May the city of Decatur purchased property where the Water Department's well Number 5 is located. With that purchase, came approximately six acres of undeveloped land which is accessible from Grant Avenue. Tharp approached the city's engineering firm, Engineering Services, Inc., to draft a preliminary drawing for the soccer complex. These drawings were presented to the city council for review during the May 10 meeting.
The proposed complex calls for a 210-by-320-feet regulation high school and tournament soccer field to be used for the Decatur High School soccer team and league play. This new field would allow the high school to host district and regional soccer tournaments which take place in early May.
When not in use, the high school field would be divided into two smaller 150-by-210-feet U-10 (up to 10) youth fields. This would support the Decatur youth soccer program and help build future high school players.
Two additional youth sport fields, a 90-by-120-feet U-8 field and a 75-by-90-feet U-6 field, could be added in the future should the need arise. Both fields meet the regulation requirements for the younger leagues.
The complex will have a restroom facility near the main soccer field and a future playground and green space in the northeast corner of the property. A 72-space parking lot is planned on the east side of the complex. Access to the complex will be from the Grant Springs Drive.
The youth soccer program currently practices at Veterans Park. Teams play their games in Siloam Springs, something Tharp hopes to change.
"We need to have our young people play in Decatur," Tharp said. "This will enable our youth to build an interest in the sport and help build future championship soccer teams at Decatur High School."
Last May, Decatur received a $15,000 matching grant from the Arkansas Economic Development Commission to build a youth soccer field at Veterans Park. Since the youth program moved its games to Siloam Springs, the project was put on hold.
The funds from the grant, combined with the city's share and an additional $5,000 General Improvement Fund Grant awarded by state senator Jim Hendren, will fund the cost of the construction project.
The city council voted 4 to 1 to proceed with the project, which is slated for completion early next year.
"This complex is for our youth," Tharp said. "This will encourage them to become more active in sports where they can learn teamwork, self-confidence and pride in community."
General News on 05/18/2016