KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The latest idea to expand the Kansas City youth soccer scene would bring a new soccer field complex to the Northland.
City leaders and developers are moving forward with the idea after a resolution was unanimously approved last week.
"My first impression is exclusively positive because it's again more great opportunities for kids and healthy lifestyles," Ian Barker, United Soccer Coaches, said.
Barker believes the soccer fields are a need for the area. He said children are having to play late night games at other facilities in Olathe, Kansas and Kansas City, Kansas in order to get all of the games in.
A new proposal would make the Northland an equal competitor.
"The city council passed a resolution directing the city manager to look into and develop a funding plan for this facility," Dan Fowler, Kansas City Councilman, District 2, said.
According to the plans, there will be 12 tournament-quality turf soccer fields with lights, three concession stands, a field house and championship field with seating.
The area in mind is between north Platte Purchase Drive and Green Hills Road, just north of Missouri Highway 152.
The 80-acre project is estimated to cost $42 million. Councilman Fowler said it would be both private and public dollars funding the project that would also boost the Northland economy.
"For that, you'll get about $20 million a year additional economic impact, plus 50,000 hotel rooms that will be sold," Fowler said.
The project is still in its early stages. Councilman Fowler hopes a plan can be approved by the city council, allowing construction to begin within the next six months.
