New Soccer Complex Fields, Entrance One Step Closer

Construction of two new fields and a North Washington entrance to the Putnam County Soccer Complex will be considered by County Commissioners next week.

The Putnam County Fiscal Review Committee approved the application for a state grant to cover 50 percent of the $675,000 price tag Monday night.

“Great to be able to start the process again and try and move along in it and try to get it this year,” Putnam County Parks And Recreation Director John Albertson said.

The county applied for the state grant two years ago but did not receive it. The application for this year’s grant must be submitted by April 18th. The county would hear about its application this fall.

When the idea of the complex adjacent to Cookeville High School first came up years ago, some community members worried it would not be used. Albertson said that’s not the case.

“We actually have to have meetings for the fall and spring with all the clubs and organizations that use the facility in order to be able just to schedule the use of the fields,” Albertson said. “Some of the organizations are having to share fields.”

Albertson estimates 1,000-1,500 people at the facility on some nights. Two soccer clubs use the facility as do several Cookeville High School teams.

The two extra fields will help with more space for the games. Albertson said the North Washington Street entrance will assist with access.

“That would give us a turning lane and a little more space to enter the complex,” Albertson said.

Visitors to the complex currently enter off Whiteaker Springs Road.

If commissioners approve and this state grant comes through, Albertson said his department has other plans to improve the facility including upgrades to the restrooms and concessions facilities.