Franklin, Tenn., Could Be Getting Massive Sports Complex
Brentwood-based BLVD Capital has proposed plans to transform Brownland Farm in Franklin into a sports-focused mixed-use development to include a hockey facility; football, soccer and lacrosse fields; and a golf training and practice facility alongside neighborhood health and wellness-oriented retail.
Brownland Farm, located on Hillsboro Road near the Mack Hatcher Parkway, is a 233-acre property that has been a staple of the Franklin community for more than 60 years as the host of local, regional and national equestrian events. The Anderton family, current owners of Brownland Farm, are seeking to downsize and relocate their equestrian activities.
Foley, Ala., Moves Ahead With Plans for New Aquatics Center
Work is scheduled to start following the completion of construction plans on an indoor Aquatics Center in Max Griffin Park near the site of the outdoor pool that has served the city since 1953.
“We’re going from a Memorial Day to the start of school facility to a year-round center that more meets the needs of our citizens,” Mayor Ralph Hellmich said. “It’s time we had this in Foley.”
David Thompson, Foley executive director for leisure services, said swimming is popular in Foley and membership in city swim teams is growing.
“We’ve had over 100 kids for the last couple of years,” Thompson said. “We have a great swim coach, so we have a lot of momentum around aquatics right now.”
The current pool will remain open while the aquatics center is under construction. City officials hope to go out for bids on construction later this year. The project is expected to take about 18 months to complete after construction begins. The pool will be replaced with a different facility after the Aquatics Center opens. Hellmich said proposals for facilities at the site of the existing outdoor pool include a splash pad or pavilion.
Foley has been developing plans for the center for several years. During a series of public meetings to discuss the project, residents submitted their ideas for the facility.
Rio Rancho, N.M., Could Soon Have New Soccer Complex
Rio Rancho families who drive to Albuquerque for indoor soccer could soon have a home-field option — if the city approves a rezoning request set for Tuesday’s Planning and Zoning Board meeting.
Developer Steven Kraemer, who operates two Albuquerque-area soccer facilities including the 25-year-old International Indoor Soccer Arena, wants to build a 20,100-square-foot indoor soccer center near Golf Course Road and 29th Street SE. City planning staff recommends approval, noting that Rio Rancho currently has zero facilities offering year-round indoor soccer programming.
The city’s own Comprehensive Plan projects a shortage of 10 multi-purpose athletic fields by 2035, according to documents filed with the city. The proposed facility would run adult and youth leagues seven days a week from 7:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., and include a development program for children as young as 18 months.
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