Proposal unveiled for possible sports complex and other community developments

The firms recommend a three-phase project. Phase one includes a new aquatic center built next to the existing pool in Deming Park.

The following phases would be an indoor fieldhouse and outdoor sports complex.

Features include the addition of a lazy river at Deming Park, multiple courts, an indoor fitness area, and track in the fieldhouse, and various baseball and soccer fields at the outdoor sports complex.

The survey estimates all three projects would cost the city around $200 million.

Terre Haute mayor and CIB president Duke Bennett said these establishments could help the city grow.

"People want amenities and fun things to do here," he said. "We want to increase tourism to our community and it checks several boxes this project does."

Executive Director at Terre Haute Convention and Visitors Bureau David Patterson said these projects would help fill a tourism void in the area.

"Anytime you are bringing thousands of people to town," he said. "That's why the restaurants are full, the hotels are full, so that cumulative economic windfall is what we're after. "

There are still several details to workout though. Community leaders need to find a site with a little over 100 acres. Bennett said they are eyeing the east side of Terre Haute for the project. They'd also need to fill out a grant application and plan out the funding.

Bennett said this possibility continues to push the city toward becoming a bigger tourist destination.

"When people come to participate in some kind of athletic endeavor they are in," he said. "We want them to think 'You know what? The experience was awesome. The place as awesome. We want to come back again."