The St. Johns County Board of Commissioners voted 5-0 on July 18 to pursue a possible public-private partnership with JAXUSL, the group bringing men’s and women’s professional soccer to Northeast Florida, to develop a proposed $30 million, 15-field community sports facility and training site in northern St. Johns County.
“In addition to providing and enhancing a significant community sports facility and resource for residents, area schools and youth clubs in the county, we also envision the facility could become a home for our JAXUSL professional soccer teams,” JAXUSL President and CEO Steve Livingstone said in a news release.
The proposed development off County Road 16A forms part of the county’s Four Parks Master Plan Project and would feature up to nine natural grass soccer fields, five multipurpose synthetic turf fields, one pro turf soccer field and an eight-lane athletics track and mini stadium suitable for Special Olympics and regional events with bleacher seating for up to 3,000 spectators.
The multiuse site would also be home to the professional soccer club’s training headquarters.
The project would create nearly 130 jobs annually and generate an estimated $15 million to $20 million annual economic impact for St. Johns County, according to the release.
JAXUSL’s proposal includes full community access to the fields and park facilities, which would also include walking trails, playground and picnic areas, a pavilion, concessions and public parking.
The facility could be accessed by area youth sports clubs, schools and Police Athletic Leagues as well as county residents.