Coral Springs considers massive Sportsplex overhaul with plans ranging from sixty million to over two hundred fifty million dollars
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs is weighing a major transformation of its Sportsplex complex, a sweeping plan that could reshape the 180-acre athletic hub into a regional sports and recreation destination. City leaders are considering options that range from a $60 million upgrade to a fully realized vision costing more than $250 million, depending on which plan the City Commission chooses.
The five potential development scenarios, collectively called the Sportsplex Optimization plans, were prepared by the Sports Facilities Company (SFC), a national firm contracted to analyze the site and design a conceptual master plan. Deputy City Manager Brad McKeone is scheduled to present the options during the Commission’s annual retreat on Wednesday, according to city records.
Currently, the Sportsplex, located off Sample Road, hosts tennis courts, ball fields, and the Aquatic Complex, serving as the city’s athletic centerpiece. The SFC study envisions a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting national and international events, with expanded indoor and outdoor recreation opportunities that could appeal to families, athletes, and visitors alike.
Each proposed plan centers around a massive indoor recreation building housing up to 12 multipurpose courts suitable for basketball, volleyball, and pickleball. A championship court with retractable seating would anchor the facility, providing a venue for tournaments and large-scale events.
Higher-tier proposals include a new indoor swimming facility built to international competition standards. This complex could feature a 2,500-seat stadium, 25- and 50-meter pools, diving platforms up to 10 meters, and a separate teaching pool. Additional amenities under discussion range from a waterpark and splash pad to a dog park, outdoor entertainment spaces, golf simulators, arcade games, and flexible event or meeting rooms that could double as trade-show or performance venues.
McKeone’s presentation will outline five distinct options reflecting varying levels of investment. The most comprehensive plan, priced at over $250 million, would incorporate all proposed features, including gymnasiums, aquatics, racquet sports, fitness areas, and entertainment spaces. A $153 million plan would focus on the 12-court gymnasium and a new indoor swimming facility while refurbishing the existing pool. A $100 million option would build the gymnasium but opt to renovate the outdoor pool instead of replacing it. Less expensive plans would offer scaled-down aquatic options and fewer courts while still improving the complex.
The city has also prepared financial analyses projecting both revenue and economic impact. The new gymnasium alone could generate approximately $2.3 million annually, producing an estimated $31.7 million economic boost to surrounding businesses. The aquatics complex, while potentially operating at a $2.4 million annual loss, could still generate a regional impact of $17.1 million through tourism, sporting events, and increased hotel, restaurant, and retail spending.
City officials say the upgraded Sportsplex could firmly establish Coral Springs as a sports tourism destination, capable of hosting state, national, and international competitions while providing residents with world-class facilities. The influx of visitors could support local businesses and boost tax revenue, creating a ripple effect of economic benefits throughout the community.
Financing options under consideration include bond issuance, phased development, or public-private partnerships. Depending on the plan chosen, the additional cost to homeowners could range from $22 to $56 per $100,000 of taxable property value per year. For example, the $153 million gymnasium and aquatic complex could translate to about $56 per $100,000, while the $60 million eight-court version could cost roughly $22 per $100,000 annually.
No formal decision or vote will be taken at Wednesday’s retreat. However, McKeone’s presentation is expected to mark the final planning phase before the Commission provides direction on next steps. The discussion represents a pivotal moment for Coral Springs as city leaders weigh the potential to elevate its Sportsplex into a premier destination for sports, recreation, and community engagement.
With multiple options on the table, Coral Springs faces a significant choice: invest in an ambitious vision that could transform the city’s athletic and recreational landscape or pursue a more modest upgrade to maintain and enhance the existing facilities. Either way, the future of the Sportsplex promises to be a defining project for the city for years to come.
