Soccer anyone? Complex planned for Hayden
HAYDEN - The Coeur d'Alene Sting is creating a buzz over a soccer complex the club plans to be a partner on in Hayden.
A group of parents and local investors have established the North Idaho Sports Complex, LLC to acquire land east of Huetter Road between Prairie and Hayden avenues for a phased 16-field soccer complex on 40 acres with the possibility of acquiring an adjacent 40 acres in the future for other sports.
"Our community has needed a centrally-located, multi-sport facility for a long time and this group came together over the last couple of years to help make this a reality," said Mike Thompson, the Sting's director of coaching and player development and a former Gonzaga men's assistant coach.
John Swallow, an investor and soccer parent, said investors have reached a verbal agreement to buy the land. He declined to elaborate on the proposed deal or name the current landowner, citing ongoing talks with neighbors.
"We can't purchase the land until it's annexed into the city," Swallow said.
The Hayden City Council is expected to decide on March 13 whether to allow the request to enter the formal annexation process with public hearings.
"We've been working on this for about two years and now we're ready to let people know about it," Swallow said. "It's not the world's best business plan (in terms of an investment), but it's really about letting the kids play."
Thompson said construction could start as soon as in two months if the annexation is approved. The fields could be ready to play on as soon as this fall, but more than likely in spring 2013 to let the grass develop.
The Coeur d'Alene Sting, a nonprofit founded in 1985, will help develop the land through fundraising and seeking sponsorships. The club will lease the site for $1 a year for 10 years with a renewal option for another 10 years. An architect has worked on the project.
Thompson said other clubs would be welcome to use the complex - or even help raise funds - but the Sting would be the anchor tenant.
"If anyone is interested in using it, we're certainly willing to listen and work with others to make it happen," Thompson said. "We're in it for the community."
He said the Sting has already been raising funds for the project, but declined to say how much has been raised.
"It's going to take a commitment, but it's an opportunity that we couldn't pass up on," Thompson said. "We're willing to step up and make a run at it. It's the perfect location."
Thompson said the plan is to eventually have a lighted championship field and one with artificial turf to allow for games year-round.
Thompson said the demographics and untapped economic impact of such a complex here is impressive. The Sting's annual Hot Shot Tournament in May has about 4,000 participants from several states and Canada and brings in an estimated $1.1 million to the local economy.
"It is anticipated that this complex, once completed, will allow for the hosting of a variety of tournaments and other sporting events that cannot currently be hosted in our region," Thompson said.
While soccer fields are the first priority, investors are evaluating whether to acquire an additional 40 adjacent acres for other sports.
The group's effort is the latest to build sportsfields on the Rathdrum Prairie.
Rathdrum plans to open its 12-acre Majestic Park on the east side of Meyer Road next to the water tower this fall. It will include two softball fields, among other amenities such as a splash pad, playground equipment and walkways. Tennis and basketball courts are planned for later.
Post Falls has also explored a regional sports complex on the prairie- first along Highway 41 and later on its land application site. However, that effort has been tabled until a parks master plan is developed and more sites are looked at.