The project is a collaborative effort between MetroParks of Butler County, a $1 million sponsorship from and partnership with UC Health/West Chester Hospital, and the State of Ohio via a $500,000 State Capital Grant awarded for the complex’s ability to assist in the economic development of the region.
The hospital has provided on-site trainers to assist athletes and fans at the complex at no cost to organizers during tournaments, according to Cynamon Trokhan, president of MetroParks Board of Park Commissioners.
“This relationship strengthens MetroParks’ ability to continue to make a positive economic impact in the region and is a win-win for both organizations,” Trokhan said.
The athletic complex opened in late fall 2014 and the new addition will add to the complex’s ability to attract top tier tournaments and serve to further enhance its ability to serve as an economic driver for the local and regional economy, park officials said.
Special events held in the last two years at Voice of America MetroPark, including the athletic complex, generated more than $12 million dollars of incremental revenue to the area in both 2015 and 2016, according the Butler County Visitors Bureau.
That revenue came from visitors who spent the night, ate in the county and shopped in the county.
Other collaborative partners, such as The National Park Service of the U.S. Department of Interior and General Services, West Chester Twp., Butler County Visitors Bureau, and The Ohio Department of Transportation played significant roles in the development of the Athletic Complex to date.
Tom Daskalakis, chief administrative officer for UC Health’s West Chester Hospital, said being a part of the “amazing community project” demonstrates the health system’s and the hospital’s commitment to building a happy, healthy community for years to come.
“While this is a win-win for MetroParks for Butler County and UC Health West Chester Hospital, it is also a win for the people of this community,” Daskalakis said.
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