Sussex Sports Center has plans for major complex near Georgetown

A new foundation – Sussex Sports Center Inc. – has plans to construct a sports complex along Sand Hill Road in Georgetown.

With a donation of 56 acres of land by Joe Schell, the effort has a kick start. Speaking on behalf of the foundation, Schell said the first phase of the complex would have eight Bermuda grass fields designed for field hockey, lacrosse and soccer. He said the foundation plans to host youth and adult tournaments, as well as provide fields for practice and games.

Schell said a 3-mile walking trail and pickleball courts are included in the master plan, which would be built as additional funds are raised.

Georgetown officials will receive a presentation about the complex next week. Schell will also make a presentation Wednesday, July 5, to the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce.

If approved by Georgetown town officials, the county seat will become a sports hub in the region with the existing Sports at the Beach complex not far away along Route 9 that offers baseball tournaments from spring to fall.

Schell said if plans are approved, Sussex Sports Center could be open by fall 2018.

In addition, Schell said, the foundation is working with Delaware Department of Transportation officials to improve the Route 9/Sand Hill Road/Airport Road intersection leading to the proposed complex. “We are looking at different ideas to fix the intersection with DelDOT because it needs to be further up on their agenda,” Schell said.

He said the foundation is looking at purchasing land around the intersection to hopefully speed up the process; one of the options being discussed is a circle. The intersection is also used by the CHEER Community Center and Sussex Academy.