Indoor sports facility proposed at Sandhill Fields

An indoor sports facility is being proposed for the existing Sandhill Fields complex off Sand Hill Road and Route 9 near Georgetown.

Sussex Sports Center Foundation President/Secretary Joe Schell, the impetus behind the complex, will make a presentation on the project at the Tuesday, Nov. 30 Sussex County Council meeting.

Sandhill Fieldhouse, at 42,000 square feet and 60 feet tall, will include a turf field for youth soccer and lacrosse, and a sports court for indoor field hockey. Plans also include an 1,800-square-foot support building with restrooms, a reception area and mechanical rooms.

According to a feasibility report, the primary uses of the facility would be for youth soccer and lacrosse, indoor field hockey and indoor pickleball. The secondary uses would be for basketball, volleyball and special events for fewer than 1,000 people. The fieldhouse would be built in the center of the existing complex with access to the complex parking lot.

The report noted there are no public indoor sports facilities with regulation sports fields in Sussex County and Kent County.

The facility would be available for rent to churches, schools, clubs and organizations.

When presented with several building options, the foundation selected construction of a framed fabric structure, although a metal building is still under consideration.

The foundation will embark on a $6 million capital campaign – $5.5 million for construction and $500,000 for a contingency fund. The goal of the campaign is to raise $3.3 million from individuals and families, $2.5 million from public sources, including Sussex County and the state, and $500,000 from foundations and the business community.

Sandhill Fields opened to the public in September 2020. It contains eight soccer and lacrosse fields, six pickleball courts, picnic pavilions, a 3.1-mile certified cross country trail and 3.5 miles of walking trails, a playground and parking for 350 vehicles.