A new recreational complex off the 441 bypass in Madison is slated for completion in March 2025, for $25 million. It will bring to the community a facility offering amenities usually only seen at private sports facilities.
It is expected to be a welcome addition to the community that already enjoys numerous recreational programs, sporting events, fields, and a special Spirit League, which offers varied programs for handicapped and special-needs residents.
Groundbreaking for the complex was held in September last year and is being funded by various sources, including interest revenue, private donations, capital improvement, sales tax, and the general fund.
Lance Alexander is the director of Morgan County Parks and Recreation. He is a 30-plus-year employee and has seen the growth of the county and the need to expand its recreational resources.
“The facilities we have here are extraordinary,” Alexander said. “For a county this size of roughly 22,000, not many counties have similar facilities. Currently, we have an aquatic facility, a regulation-size track, several tennis and pickleball courts, a community center and gymnasium, Bill Wood and Indian Creek Parks, and a soccer complex.”
Community recreational facilities are often the primary facilities that promote physical fitness and provide social connection in a community.
They are an attractive asset to an area, with families having children and looking to engage them in team sports. Community programs often complement school activities and offer affordable year-round sports programs for participants. Out-of-county residents can enroll and pay slightly higher fees.
Citizens of Morgan County have overwhelmingly supported the county’s initiatives to grow its recreational program and approved efforts to expand its offerings.
“All of our athletic programs are volunteer-based,” Alexander said. “Athletic coordinators handle the program, secure coaches and referees, signup and scheduling of leagues. We are especially proud that our 12 and under football league won the Lake Area football championship. This is kind of a season-end Super Bowl with several counties competing.”
Morgan County has an active senior program, too, with many taking special water aerobic programs. Because many retirees are finding Morgan County appealing.
The aquatic center also partners with the county’s Senior Center and provides transportation to and from. It also has a busy summer day camp program for ages 5-12, especially appealing to busy working parents.
The new 40,000-square-foot center is designed to facilitate 40-plus youth and adult leagues and features an activity room, year-round walking track, batting cages, playground, natural and artificial surface playing fields, , aerobics and yoga classes, and rental options of its facility.
It will also house a new community center for the county, an event lawn for festivals, a scenic 3.5-acre lake for limited fishing, and both an amphitheater and pavilions. More importantly, it will provide an atmosphere and recreational programs for special-needs individuals and children. It rivals centers usually seen in larger counties and is unique to the lake area.
“Recreational sports have always been a vital part of our community,” Alexander said. “With the completion of the building and its resources, we have addressed future growth needs and designed a complex that will complement the county for years to come.”