County, State Announce Funding For Major Soccer Complex; Public Meeting Set

ba/soccer.pr 98-18 Contact: David Weaver, 301-217-6548;
Bonnie Ayers, 301-217-6530;
Carolyn D. Wainwright, 301-495-2572

COUNTY, STATE ANNOUNCE FUNDING
FOR MAJOR SOCCER COMPLEX ;
PUBLIC MEETING SET For Immediate Release: January 13,
1997

A major soccer complex proposed for Montgomery County has come one step closer
to reality with the announcement of State support that will result in $3 million toward the
estimated project cost of $9.9 million. The remainder of the cost will be shared between the
County, the Maryland-National Capital Park and Planning Commission and private
contributions.
Governor Parris N. Glendening said, "This wonderful project is yet another example of
what the State of Maryland, Montgomery County and the private sector can accomplish by
working together. As a result of our teamwork, children throughout Montgomery County will
now play, practice and train in a state-of-the art complex which meets the needs of this fast-
growing region. "
Joining the governor's announcement was County Executive Douglas M. Duncan who
welcomed the State's support for the project which he said would provide "a golden
opportunity and first-rate facility for thousands of young soccer players and fans of all ages."
The SoccerPlex Foundation, an affiliate of the Montgomery County Parks Foundation,
-more-

COUNTY, STATE ANNOUNCE SOCCER COMPLEX FUNDING 2-2-2-2

Inc. will spearhead the drive for funds within the local community. A $250,000 pledge has
been received from John S. Hendricks, chairman and CEO of the parent company for the
Discovery Channel and other cable outlets based in Bethesda.
In 1996, the Montgomery County Planning Board approved a master plan for 658-acre
South Germantown Recreational Park, located on Schaeffer Road between Clopper Road and
Route 118. The approved plan included development of a 13-field soccer complex, with an
indoor soccer facility, an indoor ice rink and tennis facility, and an indoor pool. In addition,
the plan called for a driving range, miniature golf course, a BMX bike track, local park
facilities (playgrounds, picnic shelters, ballfields, courts, etc.) and a nature center.
The proposed funding of $9.9 million would provide for the development of 16
soccer fields, a park entrance road at Rt. 118 and a looped park road to serve the soccer
fields, in addition to parking and water infrastructure.
A proposed concept plan amendment, designed recently by staff of the Park and
Planning Commission, not only accommodates the approved master plan facilities but includes
two new baseball/softball fields, a group picnic area, and adventure playground, more soccer
fields and a tournament soccer complex.
This proposed concept plan amendment will be presented at a public meeting on
February 3. Co-hosted by the Northern Area Recreation Advisory Board and the UpCounty
Citizens Advisory Board, the meeting will be held at the new Germantown Community
Center, located at 18905 Kingsview Road, beginning at 7:30 p.m.
For more information about the public forum, call 301-495-2572.

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