Photo Credit: Waukegan Park District
Maintaining a youth-sports complex is not a 9-to-5 job. As sports-turf managers, we help generate revenue for the local economy and provide a venue for teams to compete on safe, playable, environmentally friendly fields.
The Waukegan SportsPark in Illinois (1.5 hours north of Chicago) attracts teams from throughout the Midwest and even across the country. As a result, local businesses receive a sizeable boost from teams and parents using county hotels, restaurants, gas stations, and shopping malls. The Lake County Convention and Visitor's Bureau recently estimated that the SportsPark has approximately a $10-million economic impact annually.
History
The park district converted the former Orchard Hills Golf Course, a 138-acre site, for use as its newest recreation destination. Construction began in April 2009, with the “grand opening” event on June 3, 2011. Construction was funded through tax proceeds authorized by a 1997 referendum. The Waukegan SportsPark is world-class and definitely meets the outdoor athletic needs of the community, especially for youth sports.