NC Sports Complex – Update for CPI

The 25 year-long dream of building an outdoor sports complex is starting to come true.

• Needs/Opportunities:
• • Shortage of soccer and baseball fields for the 800 youth players on 70 soccer, baseball and softball teams in Nebraska City.
  • Players are a variety of different races, cultures and socioeconomic backgrounds.
  • More playing fields will allow Nebraska City to host more large tournaments, which will generate income for the teams and community.
  • Local players, parents and relatives won’t have to spend as much money traveling out of town for all their games and tournaments.
  • High-quality sports and recreational fields will attract and retain young families to Nebraska City.
  • More youth will be able to participate in activities which promote physical health, wellness and personal development.
• A committee of 25 citizens representing various organizations in the community have been meeting for nearly 4 years to plan and fundraise for this project.
• $600,000 was raised in 2020 to purchase a 29 acre farm at 1255 North 19^th Street (across the street west of the Ambassador Wellness Center). The money was raised privately.No City tax dollars were used.
• The deed was transferred to the City of Nebraska City in November 2020. The City has agreed to own and maintain the property. The Sports Complex Committee’s goal is to develop the playing fields and facilities without using local tax dollars.
• $30,000 was raised in 2021 for an engineering study which provided a total cost estimate of nearly $7 million for 4 soccer fields, 4 baseball/softball fields, parking lots, restrooms, concession stands, and other amenities.
• The multi-year project will be completed in phases. The first priority is soccer fields
• A number of potential funders have been identified. Over $2,350,000 in grant applications were submitted in the past 3 months.