While work will continue on the next phases of the Gadsden Sports Park, the City of Gadsden plans to cut the ribbon on Phase I at 4:30 p.m. Tuesday, weather permitting.
The complex is a partnership between the City of Gadsden and Gadsden State Community College: The city is building the complex on Gadsden State property in East Gadsden.
Phase I of the project involved converting the former fishing area on the GSCC campus into three NCAA-sized, multi-purpose athletic fields that can be reconfigured into youth-sized fields, according to Public Affairs Coordinator Michael Rodgers.
This phase of construction includes a concession stand and restroom building, a walking trail around an existing pond and parking lot.
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The audience is invited to the ribbon cutting. Rodgers noted the tendency for afternoon rain or thunderstorms this time of year, but said there is a large covered area, so the ceremony is expected to go ahead if there is rain. Lightning or threatening weather may require city leaders to change plans.
The sports park is on College Street; the address for it will be listed as “Gadsden State Soccer Complex” on Google Maps.
While city leaders expressed their excitement over the completion of Phase I, work continues on Phase II and design work is underway on Phase III of the project.
City Engineer Heath Williamson said Phase II is about 60% complete — sod was laid and concrete work started this week.
Phase II, as city leaders previously described it, will focus on rebuilding and improving existing baseball and softball fields at the complex, with an extensive renovation of a concession stand and the addition of a north parking lot.
The first football tournament is scheduled for the Phase I fields on Aug. 20, Rodgers said. For now, the fields are available for rent.
Contact Gadsden Times reporter Donna Thornton at 256-393-3284 or donna.thornton@gadsdentimes.com.
