MARION, Ill. -- A new $30 million multi-use sports complex will be coming to Marion after approval from city and county leaders on Wednesday.
The Marion City Council and Williamson County Board members held a joint meeting on April 24, where they discussed and approved funding and development of a new multi-use sports complex within the city limits of Marion.
The city council and board of commissioners approved an Intergovernmental Agreement, as well as, a Public Private Partnership Agreement with Oasis Sports, for the long-planned $30 million multi-use all-turf sports complex with modular accommodations for baseball, softball and soccer.
Oasis Sports Complex
Funding for the development of the complex, in part, will come from a funding model which utilizes hotel tax, which was agreed by city and county leaders.
The project will be funded through a partnership of local banks, including First ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Bank, Banterra Bank, Legence Bank and ¾ÅÓÎÌåÓý Trust Bank.
Operations of the multi-use complex will be administered by Oasis Sports.
"This project is a well-calculated, well-planned example of how local governments can work together for the betterment of our community as a whole," Marion Mayor Mike Absher said. "This project will not only bring countless visitors to the area who will support our business community but will also provide a state-of-the-art facility for our local athletes to practice and play."
"Those visiting will stay in our hotels, eat at our restaurants, and shop at our abundant retail stores creating a virtuous cycle that helps fund the facility," Board Chair Tim Atkisson said. "The impact of this project will go well beyond Marion and Williamson County, I think this is a win for the entire region."
The multi-use sports complex is expected to be complete in the Spring of 2025.
