Today, County Executive Sam Page outlined a plan to use excess tourist tax revenues to expand Creve Coeur Lake Park Soccer Complex to 16 turf fields and build a new administration building, enabling the County to host even larger regional and national tournaments that drive hotel stays, restaurant traffic and local spending.
In 1990, St. Louis County voters approved a 3.5% hotel-motel tax dedicated to the Regional Convention and Sports Complex Authority and regional tourism activities. Recent changes to the sports authority and state law will allow a one-time lump sum of $66 million in excess funds to remain in St. Louis County.
“These dollars are our children’s inheritance and we shouldn’t waste them,” said Dr. Page. “We should invest them in programs and fields that welcome every kid, align with what voters approved back in 1990, and bring youth sports tournaments and their economic impact home to St. Louis County.”
The County Executive’s plan asks for $6.8 million to add three new turf fields, expanding the complex to 16 turf fields and one grass field. Another $8 million would go to build a new administration building to serve as the cornerstone for the complex’s future. The building would include locker rooms, community classroom, and space to protect employees and visitors from severe weather.
“This is an opportunity to show that we all care about making this county better for our young people,” said Dr. Page. “Our population has stagnated, in part, because families see opportunities elsewhere. Let’s change the narrative. Let’s make this the place families want to come because of the opportunities for their children.”
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