CHARLESTON, W.Va. – The Kanawha County Commission voted Thursday to continue its investigation into a possible multi-sports complex in the county.
The current leading site is Shawnee Park in Dunbar, which has been studied in the past as a possible location. The study will cost from $40,000 to $70,000.
Commissioner Ben Salango credits youth sports as a positive influence on his childhood.
“I grew up playing youth sports,” Salango said. “I credit it and my parents (for) keeping me out of trouble.”
Salango said the current concept would result in the construction of a “state-of-the-art facility” that would serve the local community and host regional match ups.
“We’re talking about Columbus,” Salango said. “We’re talking about Charlotte, Pittsburgh, Cleveland, Akron. All of those cities. If they come here to play, they are going to spend money here.”
Salango said if a 15-member team comes to Charleston for a game, it could result in 45 total people staying and spending money in the county.
“If you review the other places around the country – similarly situated, similar size to Kanawha County – who studied the benefit in their area of having sports tourism, for every 100 teams you have, it will generate about $1 million to $1.2 million in spending in the local area,” Salango said.
The study will continue to analyze whether Shawnee Park is the best location for this facility.
The complex could cost as much as $5 million.