The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is looking to double the number of local and international visitors with a new, planned sports complex. The world-class sports complex with entertainment options could soon take over more than 200 acres located just south of WEC. The site plan includes almost all sports fields for football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and polo.It will also have indoor volleyball and basketball courts, restaurants, a hotel, as well as arenas to host events like hockey and concerts."It's all in one spot," said Chuck Varadin, the director of the county's Growth Services. The project has to go through several applications.Varadin said he plans to recommend it for approval."We do think that the applications align with our comprehensive plan, which is kind of like the blueprint for land development for the future of Marion County," Varadin said. The location is off State Road 40, in an area within the urban growth boundary.Varadin said the project will help preserve open spaces to maintain the equestrian character and rural identity."It's more economically feasible and sustainable long-term for the taxpayers, so we can provide infrastructure, water, sewer, those sorts of things," Varadin said. The timeline or cost estimate has not been revealed yet, but WEC will fund the project. "We love people to make their comments, and the board weighs all that and takes all that into account," Varadin said. Planning and Zoning is scheduled to meet on June 30 to recommend the project for approval.County commissioners will meet on July 21 for a discussion.A final vote could take place between September and November.
MARION COUNTY, Fla. —
The World Equestrian Center (WEC) is looking to double the number of local and international visitors with a new, planned sports complex.
The world-class sports complex with entertainment options could soon take over more than 200 acres located just south of WEC.
The site plan includes almost all sports fields for football, soccer, baseball, lacrosse and polo.
It will also have indoor volleyball and basketball courts, restaurants, a hotel, as well as arenas to host events like hockey and concerts.
"It's all in one spot," said Chuck Varadin, the director of the county's Growth Services.
The project has to go through several applications.
Varadin said he plans to recommend it for approval.
"We do think that the applications align with our comprehensive plan, which is kind of like the blueprint for land development for the future of Marion County," Varadin said.
The location is off State Road 40, in an area within the urban growth boundary.
Varadin said the project will help preserve open spaces to maintain the equestrian character and rural identity.
"It's more economically feasible and sustainable long-term for the taxpayers, so we can provide infrastructure, water, sewer, those sorts of things," Varadin said.
The timeline or cost estimate has not been revealed yet, but WEC will fund the project.
"We love people to make their comments, and the board weighs all that and takes all that into account," Varadin said.
Planning and Zoning is scheduled to meet on June 30 to recommend the project for approval.
County commissioners will meet on July 21 for a discussion.
A final vote could take place between September and November.
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