County Commission approves use of Tourist Development
Tax funds to support $1.2 million expansion
The City of Alachua received approval Tuesday, October 25 from the Alachua County Commission for $500,000 in tourist development tax funds to expand the Hal Brady Recreation Complex located in northwest Alachua County. The approval is a major step forward in the plans of Project Legacy, which finalizes a $1.2 million acquisition of 105 acres adjacent to Alachua’s 25-acre recreation complex.
"We are proud the Alachua County Commission recognizes the great merit in Project Legacy and approved funding through Bed Tax revenues,” said Mayor Gib Coerper. “This is a project that will serve generations of Alachua County residents and provide an increased influx of tourism with a great economic return on investment." The Hal Brady Recreation Complex serves residents county-wide and is utilized year round. The facility currently attracts over 100,000 persons annually with 75% of users of facilities and programming coming from outside the City of Alachua.
The tourist development tax funds compliment already secured private donations and the City’s Wild Spaces, Public Places dollars, which in total will allow the City to acquire the property prior to the end of 2011. Alachua is now moving forward with finalizing the acquisition of the property over the coming weeks and is turning its focus to the expanded facilities, supported by an aggressive fundraising campaign. Such facilities include three multipurpose sports arenas, which will serve as venues for football, soccer, lacrosse and other field sports. These additions and improvements to Alachua’s recreation complex will attract travel and all-star programs from throughout the country, increase tourism in Alachua County in turn creating revenue and great exposure for the entire area.
"We are thrilled about the future of Alachua County as a whole as we expand our Hal Brady Recreation Complex to attract tournaments and events to our region as we remain committed to local programming," added City Manager Traci Cain.
About Project Legacy:
Project Legacy is a land acquisition and facilities development venture by which the City of Alachua successfully secured funding for 105 acres for future cultural and recreational use and now is raising funds and support for facilities and programs.
Join the team, make a Legacy Gift and secure a place on the Project Legacy Donor Wall. Contact the City of Alachua at This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. or 386-418-6100.
