Indoor sports facility proposed at Sandhill Fields Friday, November 5, 2021

Plans are moving forward on Phase 2 of the Sandhill Fields project regarding construction of an indoor fieldhouse at the sports complex near the Route 9-Sandhill Road intersection in Georgetown.

Joe Schell, president of the Sussex Sports Center Foundation, made a presentation on the $6.5 million project known as Sandhill Fieldhouse to Sussex County Council during its Dec. 14 meeting. He also asked council to consider a second interest-free $1.5 million loan under the same terms as the previous $1.5 million loan granted by council for construction of Phase 1 of the project, which was completed in September 2020.

Schell said the foundation will start paying back the original loan in 2030, or the county can purchase the entire complex for $1 at that time. County officials did not respond to his request at the Dec. 14 meeting.

Sandhill Fieldhouse, at 42,000 square feet and 60 feet tall, will include a turf field for youth soccer and lacrosse, and a multi-use sports court for indoor field hockey and pickleball. Schell said drop nets would be in place to provide options for use of the indoor complex.

Plans also include an 1,800-square-foot support building with restrooms, a reception area and mechanical rooms.

Schell said the fieldhouse can be built in about a year with $3.88 million already committed in private funding. He said the fieldhouse could be open in December 2022. Schell said the financial plan includes $2.5 million in public funding, including a potential loan from the county, a request for state funds, and a donation request to be made to the Town of Georgetown. The remainder of $4 million would come from private sources. The total also includes a $500,000 contingency fund.

The current complex includes eight soccer and lacrosse fields, six pickleball courts, a playground, picnic area, 3.5 miles of trails, a certified cross country trail, and parking for 750 vehicles. The complex is home to the Henlopen Soccer Club and the Hispanic Soccer League, and is utilized by First State Pickleball Club, Delaware First State Soccer Club and Seashore Striders, among others. The complex has also hosted tournaments for three national tournament companies and several special events.

“The complex has become a melting pot for the county,” said General Manager Brad Leinbach, adding the complex had 108,000 visitors (75,600 under 18 years of age) in 2021.

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