Easton-Newberry Sports Complex May Be Facing Expansion

NEWBERRY ‒ The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex may be undergoing a significant expansion. At the Dec. 9, 2024, Newberry City Commission meeting, Carl Green of the Easton Foundation presented a proposal to expand the Easton-Newberry Sports Complex and extend the existing agreement with the City for approximately 35 years.

The current City/Easton agreement expires in 2029, but allows continuation of the current contract for another 10 years. Green said with a new agreement of 20 years, the same period of time of their first agreement, it would equal a total of 35 years.

The Easton-Newberry Sports Complex was established as a joint effort between the City and the Easton Foundation. In 2008, Newberry provided the property and managed construction of the main 17,600-square-foot facility, which was completed in 2009. Easton Foundation contributed $1.5 million to the project, while the City covered the remaining $1 million and handled additional transportation improvements on U.S. Highway 27/41. Both parties have shared the use of the facility since its opening.

During the project development, the City and Easton developed a contract that spells out the relationship between them during construction and during the operational period afterwards. Under the current agreement, the City shoulders most of the operational and maintenance costs. The contract included a 20-year term, terminating around 2029. After the 20-year operating period the facility is to be utilized for archery.

City staff also noted that the Easton Foundation had previously considered relocating its facilities to a 40-acre site adjacent to Champions Park, owned by the City. However, the Foundation has not moved forward with that plan, and Green’s presentation focused on expanding the existing complex.

Green presented plans for a $3.1 million expansion to the facility, including detailed renderings of how the upgraded complex would look. While Green emphasized the benefits of the proposed modifications, City staff raised concerns about parking availability and suggested incorporating expanded parking into negotiation.

Staff provided the Commission with several options regarding the proposal. Those options included directing the City to negotiate a new contract with Easton Foundation, outlining specific terms and responsibilities for both parties. These negotiations would not be binding, allowing either party to withdraw at any time. Another option would provide for termination of the discussions with the Easton Foundation and decline the renewed partnership. A third option would be to postpone the decision and bring the matter back for further discussion at a later date.

While Green’s presentation highlighted the benefits of the expansion and extended partnership, the Commission opted to take more time to deliberate, promising to reach a decision within 90 days.

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