Coral Springs is preparing to award a $1.5 million contract to advance plans for the new Sportplex project along Royal Palm Boulevard
Coral Springs, Florida – Coral Springs is preparing to take a major step forward in its ambitious sports facility redevelopment plans, as city officials move to award a $1.5 million contract for the management of the city’s Sportplex project. The contract, if approved, would bring the total funding for the city’s work with Sports Facilities Development LLC to nearly $1.8 million, highlighting the city’s commitment to modernizing its recreation facilities along Royal Palm Boulevard.
The Coral Springs City Commission is set to vote on the contract at its Wednesday meeting. According to city documents, the contract would allow Sports Facilities Development LLC to represent the city in hiring architectural, engineering, and construction firms needed to build and optimize the new facilities. This move builds on the company’s previous work with Coral Springs, including planning the redevelopment of vacant land behind the aquatic facility and reimagining existing amenities.
“Our goal is to create facilities that are functional, attractive, and capable of serving the community for years to come,” said city staff in the documents accompanying the contract proposal. While city officials have not confirmed which funding option they will ultimately pursue, the Sportplex project has been under careful review, with estimates ranging from $60 million for a basic option to more than $250 million for a high-end design.
Sports Facilities Development LLC was first hired in June 2024 with a $150,500 contract to assist with preliminary planning for the vacant land adjacent to the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex. That plan included a new gymnasium with basketball courts, a running track, bleachers, a fitness center, and updated locker rooms. Later, the city awarded the company an additional $135,000 to develop plans to upgrade the Coral Springs Aquatic Complex and Tennis Center, aiming to improve both functionality and aesthetics and to make better use of Tom Messenheimer Field, which currently hosts a range of special events.
The proposed $1.5 million contract is intended to provide comprehensive management services for the Sportplex project, ensuring that each stage—from hiring contractors to overseeing construction—meets city standards and deadlines. City staff emphasized the importance of working with a qualified and experienced team to optimize facility planning and recreation management.
The planned site for the new Sportplex facility is a stretch of vacant land along Royal Palm Boulevard, directly across from the existing aquatics complex at 12441 Royal Palm Boulevard. Officials hope the new Sportplex will complement the current aquatic and tennis centers while offering residents a centralized location for indoor sports, fitness programs, and community events.
“The project is designed to maximize the usability of existing fields and facilities while adding new features that the community has long requested,” city staff wrote. With the inclusion of Tom Messenheimer Field in the master plan, the city intends to create a recreation hub capable of hosting youth and adult sports leagues, community gatherings, and special events, all while maintaining aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
Last October, the commission reviewed five potential options for the Sportplex project, all of which involved increases in property taxes to fund construction. While the exact plan and final budget have not yet been determined, city leaders are weighing the options carefully, balancing community needs with long-term fiscal responsibility.
If approved, the $1.5 million contract will consolidate the city’s ongoing relationship with Sports Facilities Development LLC, bringing the total investment in the company’s expertise to $1,795,500. For Coral Springs residents, the Sportplex project represents a chance to see a major upgrade to local recreation facilities, combining modern sports infrastructure with thoughtful planning that will shape community engagement for years to come.
With construction plans, master planning for Tom Messenheimer Field, and coordinated efforts across city departments, Coral Springs is signaling a serious commitment to creating an athletic and recreational hub that meets the growing demands of its residents while maintaining careful oversight of resources and timelines.
