New Indoor Sports Complex Coming to Cape May County
Cape May County officials have reached an agreement that will give local athletes access to a modern, privately built indoor sports complex while saving taxpayers millions.
The Board of Commissioners approved Resolution 604-25 during its November 12 meeting, authorizing a memorandum of agreement with Aviation Sports Complex, LLC, the developers behind a new state-of-the-art facility being constructed at the Cape May County Airport.
New Indoor Sports Complex Coming to Cape May County
The new partnership will allow county youth sports programs, school teams, and recreational leagues to use the indoor complex once it opens.
The privately funded building will be the only multi-sport indoor facility of its size and capability in Cape May County, filling a need that local officials and residents have discussed for years.
Earlier this year, the County’s Ad Hoc Committee to Improve Recreational Facilities and Programs flagged the need for a full indoor multi-sport building that could support year-round activities.
A concept design prepared for County Park East carried an estimated price of more than 24 million dollars.
With access to the new airport complex now secured, county officials are preparing to remove the indoor building from the County Park East redevelopment plan.
Eliminating the structure is expected to save roughly 10 million dollars while still providing the indoor athletic access the committee envisioned.
Commissioner Director Len Desiderio said the agreement represents the type of strategic partnership that benefits both residents and taxpayers.
“This is exactly the type of smart, responsible partnership we strive to create. These steps will provide our athletes and families access to a world-class indoor facility while saving millions in public dollars,” Desiderio said. “Cape May County residents get the benefit of a modern, tournament grade sports complex without the burden of constructing and maintaining a similar building ourselves.”
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Commissioner Bobby Barr, who serves as liaison to airport facilities, praised the collaboration and the broader development activity taking place at the airport.
“This partnership shows how public and private investment can align to create real value for our residents,” Barr said. “We are grateful to see projects at the airport generating new opportunities for economic development and recreation alike.”
The county will now begin revising its County Park East redevelopment plans to focus on expanded outdoor amenities, upgraded athletic fields, and modernized recreation areas. The memorandum of agreement with Aviation Sports Complex, LLC will be finalized once it completes legal review by County Counsel.
Is this something you are excited to see? It seems like the Cape May County airport is gearing up to be a place to be year-round with activities!
The question we have for you is, if you could have any facility at the Cape May County airport, what would you like to see?
Some suggested an outdoor go-kart track, and some suggested a bigger dog park. What would you like to see there?