Groundbreaking held for new Saraland sportsplex

SARALAND, Ala. ( WKRG ) — Wednesday was a big day for the city of Saraland as a groundbreaking was held for the “largest” multi-use facility in Mobile County.

“It was a very very historical day in the City of Saraland,” Parks and Recreation Director Ashley-Nicole Flowers said.

“ The Land ” is a $70 million sports and recreation complex opening in Saraland. Statistics and features of the complex include:

• 100 acres
• 78,000-square-foot indoor facility
• 4 basketball courts
• 8 volleyball courts
• 12 pickleball courts
• indoor walking track
• outdoor walking/bike trails
• 5 soccer/lacrosse/field hockey/football fields
• 8 baseball/softball diamonds
• 3 tennis courts
• 3 beach volleyball courts
• 2 outdoor concessions
• 1 indoor concessions
• 2 conference rooms
• indoor rock climbing wall
• indoor workout facility

“I think it’s going to be great for our young kids, a good place for them to communicate, and play and try to keep them out of trouble,” Saraland resident Eddie Nader said.

Those working on the project said that this sports center will be unique to Saraland, down to the small details like having the Saraland bear as the sportsplex logo.

“One thing that is interesting about this site is the topography that we are working with; the big goal of the project is working with the land as much as possible,” architect Nick Henninger said.

They expect phase one of the project to be completed by November 2024. That will include the completion of the baseball diamonds and multi-use fields.

“Over the next couple of months, we are going to be finalizing all of the grading work that’s going on out here, all of the underground work, getting the rec center built out, getting the fields installed. It’s going to start looking different soon,” project manager Preston York said.

By spring 2025, the community center, pickleball, tennis and sand volleyball courts should be completed.

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