Columbus sets June 24 hearing on McCoy Park NWSL training plan

Columbus has scheduled a June 24 public hearing at 4:30 p.m. at the Michael B. Coleman Government Center Parking Garage, 141 N. Front St., to consider expanding the Confluence New Community District by about 19.81 acres of the western portion of McCoy Park.

The key point for residents is that this is still a proposal, not a finished deal. The hearing is one of the formal steps tied to the southwest-side park land that would support the planned NWSL training facility, and the project still needs further city review before anything can move ahead.

What the city documents say

The April 25 City Bulletin ordinance text says the proposed training facility would sit on an approximately 28-acre city-owned site that includes McCoy Park. It says the project is expected to add park space and recreational amenities that support community access, youth sports programming and neighborhood engagement, subject to final design and operational requirements.

The ordinance text also says the city and county would each commit $25 million toward the facilities projects, but only subject to future budget and appropriation approvals. It adds that NEWCO would contribute $3 million to the Columbus Recreation and Parks Foundation by Dec. 31, 2029, along with equipment donations and in-kind support for youth soccer teams.

What still has to happen

WOSU reported on June 9 that the Southwest Area Commission did not vote on the plans after the issue was tabled for a later meeting. That commission’s role is advisory, not binding, and Columbus City Council still has the final say on the plan.

WOSU also reported that the project still has to move through the Columbus Development Commission and City Council before construction can begin. Axios reported in April that some residents were already pushing back over the public park-space question, which helps explain why the June 24 hearing matters.

For nearby residents, the next official question is not whether the team will be announced, but how much of McCoy Park can be used for the training complex and what public access, park improvements and community benefits will look like if the city keeps advancing the proposal.

Sources

• Columbus City Bulletin #24 public notice
• WOSU report on Southwest Area Commission delay