A planned $3.5 million development is set to bring outdoor sports fields to a West End athletic complex.
Multipurpose athletic fields are targeted to debut before summer 2026 at the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center campus, 3029 W. Muhammad Ali Blvd., in the Russell neighborhood.
The fields will replace currently vacant land adjacent to the $53 million Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, which opened in February 2021 on the 24-acre Louisville Urban League Sports and Learning Campus.
The development area, at the corner of 30th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, will hold two adult-sized or four youth-sized fields.
Norton Healthcare gave $1 million in matching contributions toward the project, officials announced in October. Mayor Craig Greenberg has also announced his intention to propose $500,000 in next year’s city budget to support the new sports fields.
Construction will begin once the match is raised.
Sadiqa Reynolds, founder and president of the Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center, cited high demand for dedicated athletic fields as the driver behind the project.
The green space in the center of the existing outdoor track proved popular for use as a soccer field, eventually drawing six teams through West Louisville Soccer.
“Unfortunately, the green space of a track is not graded for soccer or flag football and the overuse of the field created a safety hazard,” Reynolds said in a release. “This meant the soccer teams had to relocate. We are building these fields so our teams can come home.”
Since opening, the track and field complex has gone on to host national, regional and local track events for elementary through college aged runners, including NCAA indoor track and field championships.
It also has welcomed a U.S. Tumbling and Trampoline Championship and other gymnastics competitions, regional wrestling championships, concerts and other events.
Project leaders intend the outdoor field development to increase access to organized sports, add to the area’s economic contributions and improve health of those who take to the field.
“Access to athletic fields like these are essential for kids, both physically and mentally,” said Russell Cox, president and CEO of Norton Healthcare, in the release. “We know safe recreational spaces are good for kids and good for families. We are honored to support this initiative and hope others will join us in supporting kids’ health.”
Reach growth and development reporter Matthew Glowicki at mg*******@*************al.com or 502-582-4000.
This article originally appeared on Louisville Courier Journal: $3.5M addition planned at Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center
