The future of McCoy Park in Columbus is now at a critical crossroads as the city council deliberates on whether to support a proposal that would bring a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) team to the area. The decision could have far-reaching implications for the community, the park’s development, and the city’s economic landscape.
The proposed plan involves an investment of up to $25 million from the city, matched by Franklin County, to fund a new training facility at McCoy Park and upgrades to the existing stadium. Private investors would cover any remaining costs. This initiative aims to create a permanent home base for the NWSL team while also incorporating improvements to the park space and recreational amenities for public use.
Chris Blakely, a local resident, expressed his view on the potential benefits of the project. “I mean anything could be an improvement, and people can use the space meaningfully. It’d be a good thing for the city,” he said. However, Blakely also raised concerns about the location. “Harmon’s [Harmon Rd.] an industrial plaza, so you’ve got dump trucks and large industrial vehicles coming through here. There’s a landfill over there. I mean, I don’t know just doesn’t seem like the best area for like women’s soccer.”
City leaders argue that the project could boost economic activity and strengthen Columbus’ position in the growing women’s sports industry. They highlight potential community benefits such as youth programming, donations, and a $12 million private investment over 12 years. The city plans to repay its portion through an increase in the stadium admissions tax. However, the agreement still requires additional approvals and carries financial risk if projected revenues do not materialize.
Just two years ago, the city passed legislation to create an inclusive recreational space on the same piece of green space. Renderings show plans for adaptive sports fields, a splash pad, and playgrounds for families. Construction has not started, but it’s a plan Hannah Corwin has been waiting for her and her family. “Just having an extra place to be able to take your kiddos and get their energy out, and have some nice snacks, maybe have a picnic,” she said. “My daughter loves to run and go on lots of walks like today, and we love to go out and play with the puppies and dog parks and everything like that.”
During the council’s most recent meeting, President Shannon Hardin questioned city leaders on how two plans came to be for one piece of land. “I did not know there was another part of the bad deal that the city promised a park for young people who have disabilities to be built and to break ground this year,” he said on Monday. “I did not know that. And I think that that’s absurd.”
City leaders stated there is no option to change the location of the training facility. If council members pass the legislation to support the NWSL team, the plan for the fully-renovated park would be scrapped. Neighbors argued that the city should keep its original promise.
“I would say how many girls are going to be on that soccer team and utilizing that soccer facility versus how many kids do we have in Columbus in this area that could utilize that park?” Corwin asked.
Mayor Andrew Ginther explained that McCoy Park was selected for the NWSL training facility due to its proximity to the freeway and the lack of significant private investment in the South Side to create jobs and foster economic growth.
While the council decides whether to vote in support of the investment, records reveal that the leaders of the Haslam Sports Group, the team’s potential owners, have donated more than $150,000 to council members and Mayor Ginther in the past five years. According to the city’s campaign finance reporting system, the CEO and Chairman of the Haslam Sports Group, Jimmy and Dee Haslam, as well as the organization’s managing partner and president, donated more than $142,000 to Mayor Ginther in the past five years.
ABC6/FOX28 emailed Mayor Ginther’s team and asked whether it’s more important for Mayor Ginther to work with the Haslam Group, including members who donated to him in the past, over neighbors. In response, the mayor’s team said:
“Mayor Ginther has identified an opportunity to create $118 million in new tax revenue, create hundreds of jobs, bring global attention to our city, and show Columbus girls and women that their city believes and invests in them. He is also committed to working with the neighbors of the South Side to provide them with the recreation opportunities they desire and deserve. As Mayor said on Thursday, no one will be left behind in the opportunity this team will create. And that starts with our neighbors on the South Side. Not only can Columbus win this once-in-decades opportunity, but all of our residents can prosper from it.”
Some council members mentioned they want to find an alternative location for the promised park. Council is set to discuss this issue again on Monday.
