Sports complex proposal fits Sussex

Sussex County is riding a strong wave of development that shows no signs of weakening.

For Sussex County Council, leaning hard toward limited government, fiscal responsibility, and low taxes, it means a treasury growing with surpluses.

In the next few weeks, Sussex Council may act on a proposal to partner with a private foundation for construction of a public sports complex on 57 acres of donated land. The land is located in the center of Sussex, just inside Georgetown limits.

Sussex Sports Foundation has asked the county to consider a grant of $1.5 million toward the anticipated $4.4 million project. Council is leaning toward a loan with liberal terms. Either way, Sussex County has the money.

As proposed, the project would leverage two private and public dollars for each dollar committed by Sussex Council. That's smart money. A $1.5 million private donation has already been committed.

But here is the real key: This would allow Sussex to participate in a broad-based parks and recreation initiative serving thousands of people of all ages without adding another layer of bureaucracy to operate a parks and recreation department.

The sports foundation, not Sussex County, would operate the complex for the public. No tax increase necessary. It fits the county's lean government and low taxes mentality - and preserves open space.

Finally, the sports complex would add another benefit to the quality of life formula that helps drive our economy. Its outside playing fields, pickleball courts and cross country trail would complement the nearby Sports at the Beach complex of baseball and softball fields and indoor courts. It would also be a short distance from the state's longest rail trail being constructed to connect Georgetown with Lewes and the trails between Cape Henlopen State Park and Rehoboth Beach.

Sussex council members have long been vocal promoters of making Sussex citizens the healthiest in the nation through outdoor activity. This proposal gives them a perfectly aligned public-private partnership opportunity to put their money where their mouth is.