New Samford University sports complex looks to Homewood Soccer Park as new home

HOMEWOOD, Ala (WIAT) – A Samford University development is expected to generate hundreds of millions in tax revenue, and phase two is finally receiving support from residents.

“So far, I think we can take them at their word,” Friends of Shades Creek Executive Director, Henry Hughes, said.

The Creekside development is a mixed-used plan. It will feature residential, retail, commercial, and athletic facilities.

“Our main concern was Shades Creek, we worked really hard to preserve the forest,” Hughes said.

That includes several acres of trees, flowers, and a salamander population.

Original plans for the Creekside development would have added a brand-new collegiate sports complex for soccer, along with track and field amenities. It would have been located at Creekside East – right next to Shades Creek.

Environmentalists like Hughes expressed concerns early on.

“This truly is a case where there was concern as it related to the habitat and i think we can stand up now and very confidently say we’ve saved the salamanders,” Landmark Development CEO Bob Dunn said.

Claps erupted as those last four words lefts the CEO’s mouth – ‘we’ve saved the salamanders.

However, it’s only a proposal.

“Now we’re preparing to make this proposal to the city,” Dunn said.

The sports facilities would be built – if approved – at the current existing Homewood Soccer Park. It would be a split privately owned and public development between Samford University and Homewood.

Before the city council can vote on this plan, it will have to go back before the planning and zoning committee, and others.

“It will become an added benefit in youth sports recreation, and that everyone will aspire to play on the big fields someday,” Dunn said. “There was no hesitation to put this in front of the trustees and say let’s make sure we give this full thought and do it right.”