Application for use of Hospitality Tax Funds for a …...some of the concepts of what a well-maintained complex would offer. Our baseball/softball maintenance would be up to the level

Application for use of Hospitality Tax Funds for a Capital Project

York County Sports Complex At Paddlers Cove in Lake Wylie

York County Sports Complex York County Sports Complex Committee Application for Hospitality Tax Friday 6/5/2015

Project Information Project Start Date: January 2016 Project Completion Date: Spring 2017 Grant Requested Amount: $8.5M (includes contingency) Date Submitted: Friday 6/5/2015 Project Name: York County Sports Complex Project Address / Location: 5668 Charlotte Highway - Lake Wylie, SC 29710 (approximate) (Highway 274 / 49 southwest of Crowders Creek School) Organization: Lake Wylie Athletic Association Type of Organization: 501c3 Federal Tax ID Number: 26-0749052 Contact: Ron Domurat (LWAA Vice President) and Perry Johnston (LWAA) Mailing Address: PO Box 5299 City-State-Zip: Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Telephone: 803-627-9687 (Ron Domurat) Cell: 704-756-6533 (Perry Johnston) Fax: 803-631-5700 (AIM Mailing Center) eMail: [email protected] Web: http://www.LWSports.org/Complex Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/YorkCountySportsComplex How long has this organization or corporation existed: 7 Years

mailto:[email protected]

http://www.lwsports.org/Complex

http://www.facebook.com/YorkCountySportsComplex


Describe the project and its tourism mission. What is the benefit to the community? How is it complementary of existing facilities or is it unique to the area or both? The Lake Wylie Athletic Association (LWAA) in partnership with York County is requesting funding for a sports recreation facility. This facility (York County Sports Complex) will include three baseball/softball fields (adjustable in size) and three multi-purpose fields for soccer, lacrosse and other similar field sports. Artificial surfaces will be used for the infield of the baseball fields and the entire surface of the multi-purpose fields. Initially, the complex will also feature a playground, picnic shelter and walking trails. A property adjacent to the complex is available for a dog park and a kayak/canoe/paddleboard launch. The total cost of this facility will be approximately $8,500,000. The first request of two phases will be for $400,000 to complete an engineering plan to generate the final cost assessment. This will be paid by Recreation Tax (if available) or Hospitality tax. The construction cost and second phase will be approved once bids are received from build contractors. The balance of the cost will be financed through a bond backed by the Hospitality Tax from the unincorporated areas of York County. With its location near the Charlotte Metro Area and close proximity to Greenville/Spartanburg and Columbia, the complex is in an ideal position to attract day-tripper tourists to hosted athletic tournaments and recreational events year round. The complex will fill a void of facilities for local recreational organizations mid-week and be dedicated to tournaments and league games (attracting teams from within the region) during the weekends. Commitments to host 40 events annually (baseball

25, soccer 15) have already been secured from local tournament promoters. Twenty-Five percent of our youth are now going to North Carolina to play recreational sports and spending their money at restaurants in the area. This facility would complement similar sports and recreation facilities in York County, particularly those in Clover and Rock Hill where larger multi-facility tournaments can be coordinated. With the forecasted population growth in the area, the possibility of landing a new hotel becomes more attractive. The complex will be unique to the area as there are no other recreational facilities for tax-paying residents in the immediate area. Another unique quality of the sports complex is the year-round, all-weather playing surfaces that this venue will have to offer for consistent tournament play. There is no other facility within a 100-mile radius that offers both baseball/softball and multi-purpose fields with artificial surfaces.


Background Lake Wylie and the surrounding area has experienced growth at a rate of 189% during the last census period (2000-2010). The considerable population growth has been managed well by York County with planning strategies that started with the 2004 Land Use Plan. Over the 18 months of evaluation during the 2004 Comprehensive Land use Plan for York County, recreation was shown as a major need, particularly in the unincorporated areas of Lake Wylie, Fort Mill, and Tega Cay. During the years of 2008 through 2010, York County entered into a development agreement that structured zoning and planning for growth in Lake Wylie. This agreement with Crescent Properties included 2,300 acres on three different parcels of land. The development agreement was a planning strategy that was derived from the York County Comprehensive Land Use Plan. This strategy was also used with Springs Industries in Fort Mill. In both Tega Cay and Fort Mill, the concept of mapping out future growth through zoning and planning has been a top priority for York County planners. In response to Lake Wylie's growth, planners moved toward securing a mitigation of land for recreational facilities, school sites, and future county facilities by the development agreement with Crescent Resources. This entitled York County to 68 acres of land within the Crowders Creek Planned Development – Paddlers Cove. The 68 acres is divided into two tracts, a 50 acre site designed for a sports and recreational complex and an 18 acre site for future development. The land was deeded to York County in the fall of 2010 for the cost of $10. Following the deeding of the property, Bennish Brown with the CVB conducted studies to determine the needs of the area for recreation. The Hospitality Tax Committee approved a feasibility study to determine the amount of sports tourism the complex would generate. This study was done in 2012. A stakeholder group was formed during this time to work with the consultants hired by York County to administer the feasibility study. Once the study was finished the stakeholder group brought the plan to the York County Council, at that time the complex was put into a York County Council Committee to be evaluated. Shortly after meetings with this committee, the restructuring of the Hospitality Tax Committee began and the application process for the complex stalled. The emphasis from the York County Council committee is that York County does not to get involved in the management of Parks and Recreation, but would consider funding such facilities if they were sustainable. There have been many studies in the area and the rest of York County that have all stated a need for recreational facilities for the unincorporated areas of the county. The studies started with the Clemson study back in 2000. The model of having municipalities handle recreation for the unincorporated areas does not work with explosive growth in the population. This complex and a similar facility in the Fort Mill and Tega Cay areas have been desperately needed for some time. Currently, York County is updating the Land Use Plan and its planning strategies. The York County planning staff has been holding stakeholder meetings to define the needs of York County and its citizens. Recreation is a top priority in the unincorporated areas and staff has ranked the Lake Wylie area as the number one priority.


Tourism Mission The York County Sports Complex tourism mission is to help draw visitors to our area to participate in sports recreation tournaments that would be established at this venue. The goal would be to offer a top quality facility that athletes would return to and utilize on a regular basis. The focus of the complex would be to have a facility that would be maintained at a level far beyond other local sports facilities. Our group has taken into consideration what other similar facilities offer and have tried to incorporate some of the concepts of what a well-maintained complex would offer. Our baseball/softball maintenance would be up to the level of the Charlotte Knights (AAA) baseball facility. Our turf field for soccer (multi-purpose fields) would offer year-round play under all weather conditions. By bringing together the maintenance on the grass portion of the fields, and the durability of the all-weather surfaces, we would attract consistent tournament play for all sports any time of the year. The benefit of our central location in the county and the region will attract larger regional tournaments that will help compliment the other existing athletic facilities in the county. This facility in conjunction with the Lake Wylie / Clover Aquatics Facility (to be managed by YMCA) will only enhance the marketability of the area for economics, whether for business or pleasure. Eventually the overall park concept can grow to over 250 acres of contiguous green space protecting the environmentally sensitive areas of Lake Wylie, yet offering both active and passive recreational opportunities. This environment makes an attractive venue for all ages and all sports. Families can visit and participate in the tournament play, yet bike or walk through a beautiful park on the banks of Crowders Creek and Lake Wylie. A canoe launch and dog park may be located between the athletic fields and the aquatics center. This will be an overall sports complex that can be attractive to many different participants and spectators from baseball to swimming to basketball and even sand volleyball in the future. It will be unique in that it will throw a large net over a large group of visitors. The Lake Wylie Chamber and CVB will have another quality facility to promote and only strengthen York County as a destination for sports tourism. Our central location and access to major metropolitan areas such as Charlotte, Greenville/Spartanburg, Columbia and all surrounding areas give us an advantage over all those just mentioned. We are in the middle and a very comfortable commute for every one of these areas. We also have access to hotels in Rock Hill, Carowinds, York and now a new hotel being built in Fort Mill. A hotel will be built in our area in the near future to support these facilities and substantial continued growth. Location, Location, Location.


Benefit to the Area The York County Sports Complex will offer recreation to Lake Wylie and the surrounding areas of York County that currently have no facilities. It will offer active and passive recreation for all ages. The sports complex will help promote the economic viability of the area and stronger real estate values because of the quality of life aspect a park will bring to the community. It will bring investment from the outside with people deciding to make York County their home and hopefully move their business into the area. It will draw tourism revenue from our visitors that participate in tournament play and visit local eateries. It will only add to an area that is always regarded as a great place to call home. The economic benefits are established in the feasibility study completed in 2012. The benefits to a community and what a sports complex and recreational facility bring for the “health” of the community cannot be measured in financial terms. It becomes a focal point for a region and establishes credibility for a community’s values and character. This facility will help the Lake Wylie Chamber of Commerce and the York County CVB promote York County not only as a place to visit but as a place to become an active citizen. Management & Operations Collaborating with York County Staff, The Lake Wylie Athletic Association (LWAA) will manage the complex, including: daily operations, maintenance, management of tournaments, structuring of park rules and regulations, collaboration with the local Chamber of Commerce and the York County CVB, and accountability for revenue, sponsorship and fund-raising events. Field Naming Rights for Artificial Surface Renewal Title Sponsors (Field Sponsors) are being approached to lease the naming rights to each of the 6 fields. Funds gathered for this purpose will be allocated back to the Hospitality Tax Fund for capital cost reduction and debt servicing for the first five years. Over years 6 through 10, these same funds will be allocated towards renewal of the artificial surfaces. Artificial Surface Maintenance The Clover School District has committed to help maintain all artificial surfaces.


What is the estimated number of tourists to be attracted by this project? 43,065 Annual Estimated Tourists for the first two years (Baseball 14,625 and Soccer 28,440). Explain how the number of tourists will be calculated (surveys, forms, license plates, ticket sales, etc); How many day-trippers and overnight stays (room nights) are anticipated? Baseball (& Softball) Economic impact for baseball will be based on 25 tournaments utilizing 3 fields with 5 teams assigned to each field. Two day tournaments with 12 players, 3 coaches, and additional family members (2 per player) total 39 visitors per team. An average 15-team tournament will generate approximately 585 visitors. 25 tournaments could generate 14,625 visitors annually. Soccer (Lacrosse & other Field Sports) Soccer economic impact is based on an estimated 28,000 visitors.

8,100 tourists from Small-Side Team Tournaments (3v3 and 6v6) - 6 of these tournaments are planned each year - 150 Teams for 3 Small Tournaments (50 teams each) - 300 Teams for 3 Large Tournaments (100 teams each) - 6 players per team with 2 family members for each player

3,840 tourists from LWAA Recreational Soccer Tournaments (U8 and U10)

- 4 of these tournaments are planned each year - 48 Teams for 2 U8 Co-Ed Tournaments (24 teams each) - 80 Teams for 2 U10 (separate boys/girls) Tournaments (40 teams each) - 10 players per team with 2 family members for each player

3,000 tourists from Local Soccer Club Tournaments (Field Rental)

- 5 of these tournaments are planned each year - 20 Teams for each tournament - 10 players per team with 2 family members for each player

13,500 tourists from SCYSA League Games (Sandlapper & Publix Presidents Medal Divisions)

- 13 weekends (combination of 25 weekend days) - 18 teams each day13500 - 10 players per team with 2 family members for each player

Notes: The size of soccer teams range in size depending on each age group Multiple games may be played on a single field (smaller fields / younger age groups) A mix of different games per age group may be held each weekend


If there are no hotels in the area, is it anticipated that this facility will help promote future overnight stays? The number of tourists and where they originated can be calculated by the tournament registration forms. We again anticipate 20% of participants to stay in nearby hotels overnight in the first two years. The remaining 80% will be day-trippers from outside our area. Eventually, with expect growth in the area businesses moving in, and tourism generated by facilities like this complex and the neighboring aquatic center a hotel may be built in the Lake Wylie area. What is the anticipated financial impact of this project on tourism-related businesses in York County? $1,989,603 for York County Sports Complex tourism revenue in the early years is estimated to be on just tournament play. Explanation of how this financial impact was determined: Baseball (& Softball) Total baseball visitors on the proposed limited tournament schedule could be approximately 14,625. 20% overnight brings 2,925 @ $95 per is $277,875. 80% (until a hotel is built in Lake Wylie) brings 2,925 day trippers @ $34 per is $397,800 for total of $675,675 per year. Soccer (Lacrosse & other Field Sports) Soccer economic impact is based on 28,440 visitors: 20% overnight brings 5,688 @ $95 per is $540,360. 80% day trippers 22,752 @ $34 per is $773,568. Total is $1,313,928 per year. Total for York County Sports Complex tourism revenue in the early years is estimated to be $1,989,603 on just tournament play. Regular recreation play will impact H-Tax revenue because of practice/games during Monday thru Friday. Currently our area is losing 25% to North Carolina with no facilities for youth sports in our area. The figures determining tourism and financial impact were based on information provided by the York County CVB and other applicants, verified by York County Staff. Contributing to additional Hospitality Tax Revenue, seasonal recreation leagues will utilize these fields mid-week and on some weekends, including the potential for adult athletic leagues on Sunday evenings (soccer, softball and baseball). What performance measures will you use to determine the success of your advertising and marketing efforts for the capital project? The success will be determined by the number of tournaments each year and the eventual construction of a hotel to accommodate overnight stays will be the burden of proof. In addition, these fields will be available on a more consistent basis due to the artificial surfaces being developed for the multi-purpose fields and the baseball infields.


What steps will be taken to ensure that operations and maintenance costs will be covered annually? Design of the Sports Complex The installation of artificial playing surfaces was specifically planned to reduce annual operating expenses in terms of maintenance and utilities. Operating Expenses Efficient planning for the use of the complex will help keep operating expenses low. Collaboration with The Lake Chamber of Commerce, the York County CVB, municipal recreation departments and local athletic clubs/associations will bring events to the sports complex almost every weekend. Lights will only be used in the winter months, by request and for a reasonable fee. Estimated Revenue In addition to approximately $125,000 from the York County Recreation Tax (a portion of what is currently being allocated to the town of Clover), revenue from tournaments and recreational events will be directly allocated to management, expenses and operating costs:

$50k Soccer Revenue from (15 events)

$30k Baseball Revenue from (25 events)

$25k Concessions

$30k Advertising and Sponsorship If a similar project has been funded, please provide a summary of how these new capital expenditures will complement other projects in the area. The facilities listed below can be part of a larger York County partnership to attract regional athletic tournaments: Similar Recreational Attractions in the Region YMCA Water Park & Additional Multi-Purpose Field (Lake Wylie) Town Centre Park (Clover) Charlotte United Soccer Fields at The Palisades (Southwest Charlotte) Manchester Meadows (Rock Hill) Cherry Park (Rock Hill) Hargett Park (Rock Hill) Martha Rivers (Gastonia) In the event this complex hosts regional tournaments, the use of additional baseball and multi-purpose fields can be coordinated with the Clover School District and the Clover Parks & Recreation Department. Additional Local Athletic Facilities Clover High School and Clover Middle School Complex Oakridge Middle School Athletic Fields Elementary School Fields LWAA Maintained Fields

*** A comprehensive study was conducted by York County in 2012 ***


Preliminary Graphical Overview


Location within the Crowders Creek Area


Total Capital Cost of the Project Building Cost / Infrastructure / Associated Fees / Utilities / Landscaping / Contingency Dollar Amount Site Prep $775,700

Earthwork, Grading, and Paving $1,439,937

Storm Drainage System $441,100

Water Distribution $57,718

Sanitary Sewer $28,090

Hardscape Development $363,838

Landscape Development $109,000

Baseball Fields $1,852,352

Soccer (Multi-Use Fields) $2,247,203

Picnic Structures $120,000

Maintenance Facility $120,000

Site Furnishings $61,595

Signage $30,800

Site Electrical $114,225

Other: Facility Access Road (including removal of curves, paving, etc.) $150,000

Other: Water Service To Park: Hydrants and Domestic $50,000

Sub-Total $7,961,559 7% Contingency $557,309

Total Cost of the Project $8,518,869

A Detailed List of the Project Finance & Operations and Maintenance Detail Expense Items (personnel, materials/supplies, utilities, insurance, maintenance, etc.) Dollar Amount Administrative (Salaries, Human Resources & Labor Expenses) $95,125

Maintenance (Services) $67,875

Consumables (Supplies) $34,000

Utilities (Power, Water/Sewer) $36,000

(must equal Amount Requested on page 1) Amount Requested $233,000

Funding for Capital Project Sources of funds (York County, School District, Hospitality Tax, Grants (state, federal, local), fundraising/marketing, sales, etc.)

Indicate Status of Funds (proposed, requested,

approved) Dollar Amount Fundraising (Capital Cost Reduction and H-Tax Debt Servicing) Waiting for Approval $1,500,000

Total Budget

Anticipated Revenue Leasing of facility, concessions, signage/marketing Dollar Amount Soccer (Tournaments, League Games & Facilities Rentals) $50,000

Baseball Tournaments $30,000

Concessions $25,000

Advertising & Sponsorship $30,000

Recreation Tax (percentage of District 2, may be adjusted) $125,000

Total Annual Revenue $260,000


Organization Contact Information Organization York County Sports Complex Committee Managed by: Lake Wylie Athletic Association (LWAA) Contact Person Ron Domurat Mailing Address PO Box 5299 City-State-Zip Lake Wylie, SC 29710 Telephone 803-627-9687 (Ron Domurat Cell) Cell 704-576-6533 (Perry Johnston Cell) Fax 803-631-5700 (AIM Mailing Center) eMail [email protected] Additional Content: Community Support 1,000 Signatures collected by petition (Target: August 2015) has begun

- Promotion of the petition via social media (electronic) Generation of Support from Lake Wylie Businesses and Restaurants

- Commitment for Support to be secured in writing is underway Additional Considerations: Timing & Funding for the Engineering Study

- $400,000 is required to refine costs estimates (prior to collecting construction bids) - Q4-2015 is the target for execution of the Engineering Study

These additional documents were used to create and substantiate this application:

- YCSC - Startup and Operating Cost Estimates - YCSC - Keck and Wood Cost Estimate - YCSC - Initial Construction Budget - YCSC - Operating By-Laws - YCSC - Martha Rivers Expenditures - YCSC - Clover School District - Maintenance Agreement - YCSC - Discoveries Soccer Commitment - YCSC - Crystal Carolina Baseball Tournament Commitment - YCSC - Needs Assessment with Financials (2012 Study by York County) - YCSC - Sports Commission Formation - YCSC - Potential Soccer Revenue - YCSC - Soccer Tourism Calculations - YCSC - Medallion Turf Quote – Baseball Infields - YCSC - EA Sports Proposal - YCSC - Medallion Turf Quote – Multi-Purpose Fields

Upon Request, Any (or all) of these documents can be made available

mailto:[email protected]

Documents

Application for use of Hospitality Tax Funds for a …...some of the concepts of what a well-maintained complex would offer. Our baseball/softball maintenance would be up to the level