By 1812Blockhouse
The YMCA of North Central Ohio is moving into the final stretch of Phase One of its new sports complex, with construction on its first outdoor soccer fields scheduled to begin in summer 2026 and youth play anticipated by spring 2027.
After years of planning and fundraising, the project is now approaching the point where visible progress will begin on site near the Interstate 71 and State Route 97/Bellville area, a location chosen with regional access in mind.
What Phase One Will Deliver
The first phase centers on building out a multi-field outdoor complex designed to support both local use and tournament play. Plans include three full-size, regulation soccer fields, along with four additional smaller grass fields intended for younger players and practice use. Supporting infrastructure will include a pavilion with restrooms and concessions, as well as expanded parking designed to handle event traffic and larger crowds.
The design reflects an emphasis on flexibility. The mix of field sizes allows the complex to host a range of age groups and levels of play at the same time, a key requirement for tournaments.
Timeline Moves From Planning to Construction
The project’s timeline is as follows. Construction on the outdoor soccer fields is expected to begin in summer 2026. If that schedule holds, youth athletes could begin using the fields as early as spring 2027. That transition marks a shift from concept to implementation, with the first phase representing the foundation for a much larger buildout.
A Strategic Location With Regional Reach
The complex is being developed near the I-71 corridor, one of the most heavily traveled routes in Ohio, connecting Columbus and Cleveland. That proximity is central to the project’s long-term viability. Tournament-based sports facilities rely on ease of access, and the site’s location near a major interstate positions it to attract teams and families from across north-central Ohio and beyond.
For the local economy, that accessibility translates into potential demand for hotels, restaurants, and retail businesses, particularly during weekend tournaments.
Funded Through Philanthropy
The full project carries an estimated $22 million cost and is being funded entirely through public and private philanthropy. Organizers have emphasized that the project does not rely on county government funding and will not require increases in YMCA membership fees. Key support has come from local donors and campaign ambassadors Jeff and Shellie Gorman and Rick and Carol Taylor. Adena Corporation is serving as the construction lead for the project.
Phase Two: A Full Indoor Facility
While Phase One focuses on outdoor fields, the broader vision includes a large indoor component that would significantly expand the YMCA’s presence in the region.
Phase Two calls for a 100,000- to 125,000-square-foot indoor sports center that would serve as the YMCA’s third official branch. Plans for the facility include indoor soccer courts, basketball courts, volleyball courts, and pickleball courts, along with a fitness center and an indoor walking track for year-round use.
The building is also designed to function as a community hub. Plans include an arcade and multiple retail and vendor spaces, with Nickel and Bean coffee shop of Lexington confirmed as the first tenant. Additional spaces are envisioned for food, apparel, and sports-related businesses.
The full buildout of the complex is expected to include at least seven outdoor soccer fields and an outdoor walking trail. The fields planned in Phase One represent the first installment of that larger outdoor infrastructure, establishing the base for future expansion.
Projected Economic Impact
Supporters of the project point to its potential economic impact as a key reason for investment. A study by the Columbus-based firm Regionomics projects that once fully operational, the complex could attract more than 35,000 visitors annually and generate over $8 million per year in local revenue.
The same analysis estimates the creation of 60 to 100 permanent jobs, along with approximately 100 construction-phase positions. Tournament activity is expected to drive spending not only in Richland County but across a broader region, with impacts reaching as far as Cleveland during major events.
Expanding Access to Youth Athletics
At its core, the project is intended to expand access to youth sports in Richland County. The complex is designed to support training programs, league play, and tournaments, providing opportunities for local athletes while also bringing in outside competition. The combination of outdoor and planned indoor facilities would allow for year-round programming.
