⚽ Three to four new multipurpose athletic fields
💡 LED lighting, improved drainage, and stabilized parking
🏞️ Future plans include walking trail, playground, and concession stand
CRESTVIEW — Plans to significantly expand recreation opportunities in Baker moved forward Tuesday as the Okaloosa County Commission approved the conceptual layout for a new multipurpose athletic complex adjacent to the existing Baker Athletic Complex on Charlie Day Road.
The county purchased the 10-acre parcel in March 2021, creating more than 130 acres of contiguous county-owned property bordered by roads on three sides. After meeting with the Baker Area Youth Association (BAYA), county staff identified a significant shortage of dedicated multipurpose fields, as football and soccer teams often practice on baseball and softball fields.
Parks Director Jeff Peters told commissioners the first phase of the project focuses on addressing that need.
“This is a multipurpose athletic complex addition to what’s already there,” Peters said. “Their biggest need is a multipurpose field. Soccer, football, they don’t have that… So our goal was to design a multipurpose complex that can be utilized for the kids to play those types of sports.”
Under the conceptual layout, Phase 1 would cost $1.261 million and deliver three to four multipurpose athletic fields, lighting, drainage improvements, stabilized parking and a restroom facility. The phased approach is designed to meet budget constraints while prioritizing the most urgently needed amenities.
Future phases would include a concession stand, asphalt parking, a one-mile walking trail, a playground and additional lighting throughout the complex.
Peters said the county has also made incremental improvements at the site, including new LED parking lot lights, replacing aging batting cages with synthetic-turf models, concrete bleacher pads, and new bleachers around the ballfield.
Commissioner Sherri Cox, who represents the Baker area and moved to approve the plan, praised the effort.
“I want to thank you for your really getting on this for the Baker area,” Cox said. “It’s been an area that is needed revitalization for some time. I know that our youth sports will really, really appreciate this… and I think it’s just going to be an unblemishing that spot for generations to come.”
During the discussion, Peters addressed questions about drainage and future expansion possibilities, noting that the county will coordinate with Public Works.
“We obviously want to best utilize the facility and the green grass,” he said. “So there’s a chance, absolutely.”
With unanimous board approval, the project will now move into the design phase, after which it will be bid out for construction.
Pro Communi Bono
St. Francis De Sales, Ora Pro Nobis!
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