Coral Springs Weighs Major Sportsplex Upgrades, with Options Ranging Up to $250 Million

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Some of the proposed upgrades to the Sportsplex in Coral Springs. {City of Coral Springs}

Coral Springs is considering a sweeping overhaul of its Sportsplex complex that could transform the property into a regional sports and recreation destination — at a cost ranging from $60 million to more than $250 million, depending on which development option city leaders choose.

The options, slated to be presented by Deputy City Manager Brad McKeone at the City Commission’s annual retreat on Wednesday, outline five possible “Sportsplex Optimization” plans prepared by the Sports Facilities Company (SFC), a national firm contracted to analyze the site and design a conceptual master plan, according to city records.

The Sportsplex, a 180-acre campus off Sample Road already home to tennis courts, ball fields, and the Aquatic Complex, has long served as the city’s athletic heart. But a new SFC study envisions a significantly upgraded, state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting national and international events — complete with new gymnasiums, aquatic centers, and a family entertainment complex.

Each version of the plan is built around an expansive indoor recreation building housing up to 12 multipurpose courts suitable for basketball, volleyball, pickleball, and other sports, records show. A championship court with retractable seating would anchor the design.

Higher-tier options for the complex include a sleek new indoor swimming facility meeting international competition standards, with a 2,500-seat stadium, 25 and 50-meter pools, diving platforms up to 10 meters, and a separate “teaching pool.”

Also under discussion are additional amenities such as a waterpark and splash pad, a dog park, outdoor entertainment and community gathering spaces, as well as golf simulators, arcade games, and event or meeting rooms that could double as trade-show and performance venues.

McKeone is scheduled to present the five distinct development choices for the property, reflecting different levels of city investment. The first and most comprehensive option, costing more than $250 million, would include all the proposed features, from the gymnasium and aquatics complex to racquet sports, fitness areas, and other amenities.

A second plan, priced around $153 million, would focus on building a 12-court gymnasium and a new indoor swimming facility while refurbishing the current pool. A $100 million version would also include the 12-court facility but opt to renovate the existing outdoor pool instead of replacing it. McKeone is also slated to present less expensive options for the swimming areas.

Each design developed for commissioners includes revenue projections: A new gymnasium facility alone is projected to generate about $2.3 million annually, with an estimated $31.7 million in economic impact to the surrounding community.

By contrast, the aquatics complex could operate at a loss of roughly $2.4 million per year, but still yield a positive $17.1 million regional impact — largely from tourism and events.

The upgraded Sportsplex could position Coral Springs as a premier sports tourism destination capable of hosting state, national, and international tournaments. The influx of visitors could also boost hotels, restaurants, and retail spending while providing city residents with world-class facilities, according to city records.

To finance the construction of the project, commissioners are expected to consider several options, including bond financing, phased development, or public-private partnerships.

Depending on which plan is selected, 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 combined gymnasium and aquatic complex could require an average increase of about $56 per $100,000, the $100 million refurbish plan about $37, the $82 million gymnasium-only plan about $30, and the $60 million eight-court version roughly $22 annually, records show.

No formal decision will be made nor any vote taken at Wednesday’s retreat, but McKeone’s presentation is expected to mark the final phase before direction is given by the Commission regarding next steps for the project.

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Kevin Deutsch

Kevin Deutsch is an award-winning journalist and author of two nonfiction books. He covers general assignment news and Jewish community issues for Talk Media. He has also worked as a staff writer at The Miami Times, the Rio Grande SUN, the New York Daily News, Newsday, The Miami Herald, The Palm Beach Post, The Riverdale Press, and Bronx Justice News.