Greenwood mayor unveils latest designs for new sports complex

Greenwood Mayor Mark Myers used his 10th State of the City address Thursday afternoon to tout several economic development projects the suburb has in the works as it emerges from the pandemic.

The flagship announcement in his speech was the unveiling of official renderings for the $8 million, 40-acre sports complex planned for the southeast side of the city. Conceptual plans for this complex were announced by the city in February last year, and the announcement Thursday was the first glimpse of tangible plans.

“Thankfully, we worked hard to position Greenwood for success,” Myers said in front of a crowd of more than 300 business leaders, community advocates, elected officials and Greenwood residents. “We’re not out of the woods yet, but I’m happy to report that our city is emerging stronger than ever.”

The outdoor complex will be situated on land near the Interstate 65 and Worthsville Road interchange. Catering to local and traveling sports teams and their families, the destination park will have four softball diamonds, four baseball diamonds and a multi-use field for soccer, cricket and other sports.

The complex also will feature the city’s second splash pad and add to Greenwood’s inventory of inclusive playground equipment, which is designed for children of all ages and abilities.

“It’s another exciting amenity that we’re confident will bring tremendous benefits to our community,” Myers said.

Myers also touted Greenwood’s other projects in the last year, including plans for the $83 million redevelopment of the former Greenwood Middle School property, which the city is investing $15 million into in a public-private partnership.

The mixed-use project will add 40 townhouses, 15 condos and 300 apartments to diversify housing options in the city’s downtown, and additional space for restaurants and retail. The developers plan to invest $70 million into the project.

“The ‘smart money’ is on Greenwood. Businesses and economic development professionals are proving that every single day,” Myers said.

Greenwood had success in bringing more internationally recognized companies to operate out of the city this year. Milwaukee Electric Tool Corp. opened a 150,000-square-foot service hub at the Southtech Business Park in May, the company’s first location in Indiana.

The city also secured ERMCO Inc.’s new headquarters location earlier this year, which will bring 170 jobs to the area. And FedEx opened an 815,000-square-foot distribution center on the northeast side of the Worthsville Road interchange.

“The pandemic halted development in many cities, and in many parts of the country, but not here,” Myers said.

Myers additionally emphasized Greenwood’s commitment to improving quality of life. The city recently completed a $5 million renovation of Old City Park in the heart of downtown. And construction on the Greenwood Fieldhouse continues into the end of this summer. The fieldhouse will be equipped to host sports including volleyball, futsal, badminton, soccer, baseball, basketball and pickleball.