Camden County is poised to enhance its economic landscape with the upcoming March 18 vote on a Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) aimed at funding a new sports park. This initiative is expected to attract tourism and bolster the local commercial tax base, which currently relies heavily on residential taxes.

The proposed sports park will feature a variety of facilities, including multipurpose fields suitable for soccer, lacrosse, and football, as well as a championship stadium designed for major events. The project is anticipated to draw families traveling for sports tournaments, which is a growing market in Georgia. Local officials highlighted the importance of capturing tourism revenue that currently flows to neighboring Florida, emphasizing the need for Camden County to become a competitive destination for sports tourism.

The project is backed by a collaborative effort involving the City of Kingsland, the county, and the school board, all of which have agreed to participate in the tax allocation district (TAD) that will support the development. The infrastructure improvements funded by the SPLOST will include essential services such as water, sewer, and road access to the park.

Private investment will play a crucial role in the project, with plans for hotels, restaurants, and retail spaces surrounding the sports facilities. The management of the park will be handled by Oak View Group, a well-regarded facility management company known for its successful operations across the country.

As Camden County prepares for the SPLOST vote, local leaders are optimistic that the sports park will not only enhance recreational opportunities but also stimulate economic growth by attracting visitors and new businesses to the area. The initiative represents a strategic move to diversify the county's revenue sources and ensure a stable economic future.