REPUBLIC, Mo. – In early September, Republic’s City Council made the final decision to allow the city to purchase a 136 acre piece of land located on W. Farm Road 156.

The city is hoping to use the land to install a jumbo sized park and sports complex. In a recent interview with the Greene County Common Wealth, Republic assistant city administrator and Parks and Recreation director Jared Keeling said that the “preliminary plan” was to have 8 to 12 baseball and softball fields, and at least 12 to 16 soccer fields for all age groups. The park would also include pavilions, restrooms and concessions. 

Further plans may see the addition of playgrounds, trails, and extra green space. The city’s main objective for building the new park is to boost the community’s athletic programs. The new park would have extra potential for instructional seminars, leagues, and large-scale tournaments. 

Under terms of resolution, the city plans to pay $3.24 million for the plot. However, the development of the park will depend on the city’s ability to come up with additional funds. Republic hopes the community will renew the sales taxes dedicated to city parks, but that won’t be decided until a vote is taken in Spring of 2022. 

Although they hope to add more options with the new sports complex, Republic currently hosts a multitude of sports for its citizens. Adults can enjoy co-ed volleyball, kickball, pickleball and co-ed softball. Children can enjoy baseball, basketball, flag football, futsal, soccer, softball and volleyball.

The Parks and Recreations director, Jared Keeling believes the park will be open by spring of 2023.