First, it's great to see some first class fields being created here in Clay County. I am also excited that they have converted to Little League allowing us to interleague with them.
You might be curious as I was on how Oakleaf was able to get their new Baseball complex off the ground so I decided to share what I have learned.
Sources of Money
Oakleaf consists of 2 CDDs which both contributed 500-600 thousand dollars combined with 800k form Clay County, and with the Oakleaf Sprorts Association doing some fundraising and contributing 100 to 200k for the lights.
You might ask, well that is an interesting model, having the CDDs kick in the million+ seems to have really jumped started this complex. I also think since the CDDs are still controlled by the builders all the incentives still exist to fund a new complex. If we tried to approach Eagle Harbor and Fleming Island Plantation CDDs to try and replicate this model, I doubt a resident controlled board would be so generous. I still think there is chance for something on a lower scale.
The CDDs gave over a million, what do they expect in return. The CDDs retain the control on what programs \ associations can manage the complex. The CDD residents will likely get a discount on the sports programs as well. They have no plans to get any money from concessions.
Looking back we missed our window here on Fleming Island when the builders were still active in the area. The developers, East West and Centex did give the County the land 15 years ago, but the years went by and the sports complex plans are still 5 years away.
The Fleming Island Sports Complex was defunded a couple years ago, I am not sure the reasoning on how the Oakleaf complex was able to keep 800k.
The county offered no reasoning to me where the money went too when the project was defunded. My fear is that as we face budget struggles over the upcoming years the money will once again be moved away from the complex.
I definitely like how the CDDs stepped up and made it happen. The Oakleaf baseball league will be a huge program and will draw people to the area. By having a first class sports facility it will be great for homes sales and also help hold values in the current homes. So in the end the County gets a higher tax base too.
Let's hope one day a few years from now Fleming Island will see their own sports complex.
