A new sports complex could be built in the southeast of Tallahassee

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – Plans for a new sports complex in southeast Tallahassee are one step closer to becoming a reality.

The proposed Charlie Ward Champions Ranch, named after the former FSU quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner, would be located near the intersection of Capital Circle Southeast and Woodville Highway.

On Tuesday, the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission voted to rezone the area to pave the way for the project.

“I’m really excited,” Miesha Barrington, mother of five, told WCTV.

She frequently visits Four Oaks Park, which is just a few miles from the proposed sports complex. Barrington said she is excited at the prospect of having a new place to take her children.

“There aren't many other parks between here and where we live, so it would be nice if they were a little closer together so we would have more choices,” she said.

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The Charlie Ward Champions Ranch is proposed to be 109.36 acres in size, according to the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission agenda item. It will include multi-purpose sports fields, tennis courts, a golf course and driving range, as well as walking trails and park areas. About a third of the property will be converted to retail and event space.

Pickleball player Spencer Duffey told WCTV that a new sports complex would be a benefit to the neighborhood.

“I really like this area,” he said. “But there are definitely more things that could be had here. So it would be really cool if there was another area that had what this one doesn't have.”

The project still has several hurdles to overcome before it can move forward. Next, the City Commission must vote on whether to rezone the area. This will likely happen at the commission's Aug. 21 meeting.

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