Greene County soccer park could open to the public

Greene County commissioners plan to discuss at their meeting today costs and a projected timeline for making changes to the Hobson Freedom Park that would allow the county to open the park to the public and reduce noise and traffic.

In July, the Dayton Daily News reported some neighbors have voiced opposition to the county park being closed to the general public and complained about the noise and traffic that comes with the soccer tournaments held there.

According to preliminary estimates from the county, the cost of making improvements to the park that would make it accessible to the public while protecting the fields could cost as much as $3.3 million. Costs include:

• $1.8 million to develop the other half of the park which would be open to residents;
• $315,000 to build a shelter with restrooms;
• $300,000 to build a roadway;
• $229,000 to build a paved path; and

• $12,000 for an environmental consultant

Hobson Freedom Park, a 91-acre facility on Trebein Road in Beavercreek Twp., is only used for athletic events. The park holds 14 soccer fields.

The county had concerns that opening the park to the public would jeopardize the quality of the soccer fields making it less attractive to soccer tournament organizers.

“I don’t have a problem opening it, but I’m looking for some people to take responsibility for the soccer fields,” said Bob Glaser, a county commissioner.

Now, county commissioners are looking at ways to remedy these complaints.

“We’re in the final stages of pricing,” said Greene County Administrator Howard Poston.

County officials have met with a consultant, and are waiting for a final report.

“We all agree that the park needs to be opened up to the community while protecting the soccer fields that are there,” said Greene County Commissioner Tom Koogler. “I think we’re on the right track. I think we found a win win for all.”

The county has been looking at adding an additional roadway in the park for over a year, said Poston.

“We try to be a good neighbor with our parks,” Poston said. “That’s’ what we tried to do here.”

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