Amy Conyers, from the FDEP, presents Commission Chair Jason Bashaw with a ceremonial check for $100,000 to be used for Sportsplex renovations.

The county has secured $100,000 in grant money from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) to renovate the First Federal Sportsplex in Live Oak. 

The money will be used in two phases at the Sportsplex located at 1201 SW Silas Drive, said Greg Scott, parks and recreation director for both the county and Live Oak.

“It will provide more recreation opportunities for the citizens,” Scott said. 

The first $50,000 for phase one will go towards projects including adding playground improvements, building restrooms, security lighting and fencing. 

The next $50,000 for phase two will cover renovations to the tennis court and fitness trail, picnicking fixtures, lighting and parking. 

Despite being referred to as “phases,” both sets of renovations will be worked on at the same time. The projects should start around late November and wrap up some time next summer, Scott said. 

The grants come from the Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, under the FDEP.

Amy Conyers, from the FDEP, presented the county commissioners with a ceremonial, oversized $100,000 check during a recent commission meeting.

Suwannee County sent two applications for the grant in September, one for each phase. 

Adding and improving the infrastructure of the Sportsplex has several benefits for the community, Scott said.

“People need recreation to stay healthy, stay active and enjoy life,” he said. “Studies show people are happier when they live closer to parks.”

The city and county have worked hard to maintain enjoyable facilities for the public, and the renovations will help it achieve that goal, Scott said. 

“By adding new experiences, like being able to play tennis at night, it’s a better experience for the citizens,” Scott said. 

There’s another way it benefits the community, as well, Scott added. 

The facility sometimes hosts baseball and softball tournaments that can bring in anywhere from $250,000 to $500,000 into the local economy in a single weekend.

With more recreational activities for the teams to participate in during their downtime, the Sportsplex might be more attractive for future tournaments looking for a venue. 

The recreational and economic benefits for the community are especially helpful when the city or county doesn’t have to rely on local taxpayers to fund it, Scott said.

“Tallahassee dollars” mainly come from sources outside the area, Scott said, instead of siphoning money from the local economy.

“The more money we can get from grants, the less we have to reach into our own pockets,” Scott said.