Transforming an underutilized municipal park into a $26.5 million, 40-acre destination venue doesn’t happen by accident. In this session, the team behind Sprowls Horizon Sports Park in Pinellas Park, Florida shares the full story — from securing a $13.5 million state appropriation to selecting the right design, construction, and operations partners. We’ll dig into the process of determining what amenities a particular community needs and can support. Panelists will walk through the decisions that shaped the project, the lessons learned along the way, and the practical roadmap any city leader needs before embarking on a transformative sports and recreation investment.

Speakers:

Chris Sprowls – Managing Partner of Rooker Ward Partners and Former Speaker of the Florida House

Bart Diebold – City Manager, City of Pinellas Park

Michael Nielsen – General Manager, Sprowls Horizon Sports Park

Moderator: Jim Arnold – Regional Vice President of Sales, The Sports Facilities Companies