Mid-Missouri Business Week: Parks and Rec to start construction of fieldhouse

Construction of the new fieldhouse at A. Perry Philips Park is set to begin this month.

The City of Columbia Department of Parks and Recreation is funding the project through a park sales tax that first appeared on the 2015 ballot.

Last year, the department spent more than $2 million in local businesses like local contractors and supply businesses to help with park projects. The director of the department, Mike Griggs, says the department will spend even more this year due to this project.

The department has also proposed a cross country course to go in at the Gans Creek Recreation Area. The Missouri State High School Activities Association is already scheduled to hold state competitions at the course once it is created.

“That will bring 7,000-8,000 people here to Columbia, so that economic impact alone is anywhere between $500,000 to $750,000 just for that event,” Griggs said.

ABC 17’s Kirstie Crawford sat down with Griggs to talk about the economic and business impact of these projects on this week’s Mid-Missouri Business Week.