Following up on previous meetings between Mayor Domenic J. Sarno, Chief Development Officer (CDO) Tim Sheehan, Director of Technical Assistance and Compliance Patrice ‘Chae’ Swan, Mayoral Aide Lavar Click-Bruce and City Council President Marcus Williams and Councilor Sean Curran, the City of Springfield seeks to be the premier regional location for a state-of-the-art sports complex along the Connecticut River that will complement and enhance Riverfront Park. The SRA is strongly encouraging submissions from development teams that can meet the redevelopment goals for the property.
Mayor Sarno states, “My Administration is committed to seeking the best possible development opportunity for the creation of a state-of-the-art youth multi-sports complex along our Riverfront Park that would not only benefit our residents but enhance our downtown and riverfront districts while focusing on attracting major events and noteworthy organizations that would confirm Springfield as a ‘Hoop City’ with a ‘Court of Dreams” that would draw thousands of visitors to our city and compliment the nearby Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Again, I want to thank my dedicated city team including CDO Tim Sheehan, SRA Executive Director Amanda Pham, Director of Technical Assistance and Compliance Patrice ‘Chae’ Swan and my Mayoral Aide Coach Lavar Click-Bruce for their continued efforts. I also want to thank and acknowledge City Councilor Sean Curran and Council President Marcus Williams for their continued support as we work together to make this major economic development project a reality.”
CDO Sheehan stated, “Multi-purpose recreational facilities and amenities, generally enhance the quality of life surrounding them. Such development opportunities retain residents, increase tourism, and bolster economic development. This, in turn, provides the surrounding area with a catalyst for new related development and entrepreneurial investment. Springfield is appropriately focusing its initial consideration of a multi-purpose sports complex on its riverfront and within close proximity to the newly renovated Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.”
SRA Executive Director Pham said, “The SRA is excited to present the public with a Request for Qualifications in furtherance of the City’s vision for a sporting complex. The Former York Street Jail Site is a very unique parcel of land given its location on the City’s riverfront and close proximity to the Basketball Hall of Fame, interstate, and downtown. We look forward to receiving responses from interested parties on this proposed use.”
City Councilor Curran added, “Amateur athletics is now a billion-dollar industry. Mayor Sarno's effort to pursue private sector investment in a modern multi-court sports complex is a slam dunk. Without question, this economic development initiative will cement our reputation nationally as Hoop City, U.S.A.”
Council President Williams stated, “The potential of building a premier regional state-of-the-art sports complex would not only boost Springfield’s standing as a basketball mecca but would greatly enhance our Riverfront Park, the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame, and more importantly, serve our youth for generations to come. I am looking forward to working with Mayor Sarno and my colleagues on the City Council on making this economic development opportunity possible.”
