The Ottumwa Legacy Foundation is excited to announce the largest individual strategic grant awarded in its 11-year history in support of the Ottumwa SportsPlex project.
Conversations around the need for a new sports facility in Ottumwa have been going on for some time, with Legacy Foundation discussions dating back to 2012. The Southeast Iowa Sports Commission, a new nonprofit organization, has commissioned Pinnacle Sports to design the Ottumwa SportsPlex, a 50,000 square foot indoor sports facility compatible with Ottumwa’s indoor sports needs.
The SportsPlex facility will provide three full-size basketball courts, four volleyball courts, a 9v9 turf soccer field, softball and baseball infields, two batting cages, a turf football field, track, concessions, offices, and the ability to host birthdays, conferences, and events.
The Foundation will provide $2,000,000 in support for the project over a five-year period. The Foundation’s contribution is contingent on the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission securing the additional funding obligations needed to reach their $9,000,000 goal.
“We are excited to see this project move forward. Wapello County residents deserve these types of amenities. It is truly a community project and we hope that the community will take this opportunity to support it,” said Kelly Genners, Legacy Foundation CEO.
The project will be a community asset from a quality-of-life perspective and an economic driver for the region. According to Pinnacle, facilities similar to the proposed Ottumwa SportsPlex report an average of $3,500,000 in total economic impact by year four of operations.
The Legacy Foundation has provided previous support for the project by assisting with the setup of the new nonprofit, site plan drawings, logo design and recently provided a Bright Ideas Community Enrichment Fund grant to fund the creation of a marketing package for the Sports Complex Capital Campaign.
TJ Heller, member of the Southeast Iowa Sports Commission shared his excitement regarding the grant. “We are so proud to have the Legacy Foundation as a major partner and contributor to the Ottumwa SportsPlex project. The significant financial pledge from the Foundation quickly moves this project from conceptual stage to reality! The Foundation is a cornerstone in the overall betterment of the greater Ottumwa area and to have their support reinforces their commitment to health, quality of life initiatives, and economic vitality in our community. “
The new facility will address the community’s need for indoor sports amenities in the Ottumwa area. Previous surveys have also indicated an additional need for outdoor facilities. The Greater Ottumwa Parks Master Plan is currently being developed to address outdoor sports and quality of life needs.
