New partner to design, build, operate, finance and maintain facility
The Kentucky Tourism, Arts and Heritage Cabinet issued a request for proposals to find a partner to design, build, operate, finance and maintain an amateur sports complex at E.P. “Tom” Sawyer Park in Louisville.
The 539-acre oasis currently offers indoor and outdoor recreation facilities that include cross country courses, soccer fields, baseball and softball diamonds, a swimming pool, pickleball and tennis courts, a competition BMX course, an archery range and other outdoor facilities. There are also community garden plots, an astronomy club and more.
The park hosts thousands annually for various events and programs. Attendance exceeds 5,000 for cross country events. Additionally, the NCAA Division I Cross Country meets draw 10,000 annually. The park is also host to the national BMX Grand Championships every Labor Day weekend.
Pamela Trautner, Public Information Officer for the Kentucky Finance & Administration Cabinet is excited for the prospect of the new facility. “This project is another important example of state government partnering with the private sector to bring much-needed facilities, tourism and entertainment opportunities to our citizens and visitors alike.” said Trautner.
‘We look forward to seeing some great proposals and choosing one that meets the criteria and goals of the sports complex,” Trautner added.
The facilities would be built on 25 acres of state-owned land located east and north of Frey’s Hill Road – just east of the park’s activity building and swimming pool. Earlier this year Building Kentucky reported on the state’s request for information– and this RFQ is major progress on this new project.
Click here to read the full proposal and the project area map.
