Rezoning Vote Clears Path for New Training Facility
The Southwest Area Commission on Tuesday gave its endorsement to a rezoning proposal that will move the question of converting McCoy Park into a training complex for Columbus' upcoming professional women's soccer team to the City Council. The commission's working group had delayed the vote by more than a month, but the final recommendation now rests with council members who will decide the fate of the project.
Plans unveiled by the Parks and Recreation Department envision an adaptive softball field at nearby Berliner Park, a brand‑new public park nestled within the soccer complex, and additional green space stretching off Greenlawn Avenue behind Finland Middle School. The design aims to integrate recreational amenities with the athletic facility, creating a multi‑use community hub.
A Facility Built for Half a Million Residents
The revised blueprint serves an estimated 50,000 residents within a two‑mile radius, more than tripling the 16,500 people the original park was projected to reach. By expanding the service area, the city hopes to provide a lasting recreational asset that meets the growing demand for sports and outdoor activities in the region.
Financially, the project carries a higher price tag than initially anticipated. The updated plan is projected to cost $35 million, up from the earlier $25 million estimate, reflecting the added amenities and expanded footprint.
First Phase Set to Break Ground This Year
According to the city's Parks and Recreation Department, the first phase of construction is scheduled to begin later this year. The initiative marks the start of a multi‑year effort to reshape a portion of the city's park system into a dedicated training ground for the women's professional soccer team, while also delivering new public spaces for the broader community.