MANSFIELD — The YMCA of North Central Ohio has launched a feasibility study into a potential $9 to $10 million indoor/outdoor soccer complex in Richland County.
Chriss Harris of CHarris Consulting, also a member of the YMCA board, told Richland County commissioners on Tuesday such a facility would have a “huge financial impact” on the county.
“Having it here in Richland County would enable hundreds of children who go to Lodi and Columbus to do tournaments, training, etc. right here in Richland County,” Harris said.
She said a location for the complex has not been identified, but it would include basketball and pickleball courts, indoor and outdoor soccer fields and a walking track.
“I believe this could be a huge economic development tool,” Harris said, including tournaments that could attract players from around the state. “Restaurants and hotels are going to be needed wherever this facility is located.
“A major donor interested in a certain locale could help sway us.
“It’s a YMCA project. They would maintain it and operate it,” Harris said. “The Y is thrilled, very excited (about the possibility).”
Harris said the feasibility study would determine if the community would support such a complex. She said the study would take until mid to late summer to complete.
If the study determines it doable, a capital campaign to fund the project would not begin until 2023. She said the YMCA would place a questionnaire on its website Friday, as well as its social media accounts.
“Our hope is that we get hundreds of questionnaires back so that it will help us with our study,” Harris said.
She told commissioners the group would appreciate feedback in the effort.
Cristen Gilbert, president/CEO of the YMCA of North Central Ohio, said the study will help to determine if the Y has the capacity to build, manage and maintain such a facility.
“Our goal is to drive more people into our community. It’s a need many people have talked about for many years,” Gilbert said.
“We have a small task force set up right now with a few board members and some soccer enthusiasts to give us the information we need to put this study together.”
The effort comes a couple of months after the unification of the Mansfield and Shelby YMCAs into one entity.
“We have been very busy,” Gilbert said. “We think this is a great opportunity. Our name now is the YMCA of North Central Ohio and we think this could be a great opportunity to better serve the area.
“I am very excited to get this started.”
