Lease Negotiations To Begin On Algood Soccer Facility

Algood Mayor Lisa Chapman Fowler will begin negotiations with the Warlick Foundation for a long-term lease on a new indoor soccer facility.

Aldermen voted 3-0 Tuesday night to take the next step on the project which would be built on the football field at Walter Bilbrey Park. City Administrator Keith Morrison said the Foundation would construct, maintain and operate the 7-on-7 indoor facility and outdoor field. Elizabeth Warlick said the family began discussions with the city last July as a way to honor the Warlick’s son, Joseph.

“My husband’s life and work, we decided to put toward this, and we sold our business and came up with the funds to start this project,” Warlick said. “We dream bigger and we see bigger, more. I mean, this is the central location for the Upper Cumberland to have an indoor facility, and All In serves that community.”

A new Upper Cumberland TOPSoccer program would be based at the facility. Warlick said the program would provide six weeks of spring and six weeks of fall soccer for children with special needs.

Joseph Warlick was killed in an farm accident in 2020. Elizabeth Warlick said her son loved soccer.

“He played for All-In FC Tennessee,” Warlick told Aldermen. “He was an avid soccer player, and he was number 11. He was born with birth defects when he was born and special needs. Out of that love for what the community and Upper Cumberland did for us with All-In FC Tennessee, and our heart to give back and honor our son.”

The facilities would host soccer programs through the Foundation. Morrison said the city could use the facility for its programs and events.

In other business, Council approved the Algood budget and property rate on second and final reading. The budget includes a $1 per hour raise for city employees. The budget is about $335,000 over in expenses.

Council approved a final change order on the Old Walton Road Sewer Project, tallying some $23,851. The $2.27 million project is now complete.

A new Main Street digital sign will move forward at Burton Branch Road. Aldermen approved a local bid for its construction.