In its meeting Tuesday, the Alachua County Commission discussed the budget for the World Masters Track and Field Championship, which the county won a bid to host in 2025.
The championship was slated to take place in two different venues, the newly constructed indoor Alachua County Events and Sports Center at Celebration Pointe and the area that previously comprised the West End Golf Course, which was contracted by the county May 28.
“Alachua County’s experience hosting major events, our world-class facilities and amenities, rich sports history, and cultural, natural, and entertainment offerings make it the ideal location for the World Masters Indoor Championships,” said Alachua County Commissioner Mary Alford in a Jan 10 press release.
However, the $2.5 million initially promised by the state to aid in preparation for the event has been revoked following Gov. Ron DeSantis’ recent veto of all Florida arts and culture funding, leaving commissioners with budget concerns.
A major area of contention was the authorization of $645,000 in capital improvements, which in part would be used to install areas for javelin and hammer throwing in the West End Park. Alachua County Commissioner Ken Cornell expressed concern over whether the facilities installed for the championship would be in the best interest of Alachua county residents.
“How important is the javelin and hammer activities? When I look at the improvements to West End, I have to tell you that I’m also equally disappointed with those improvements because I don’t see a lot of long term benefit,” he said. “I don’t want to do those events on this park.”
The county should allocate park improvement funds toward activities that prove useful to residents like pickleball, tennis and swimming as opposed to javelin and hammer throwing, he said.
“I don’t view us as being responsible for that. I view the state of Florida pulling their $2.5 million commitment has been responsible for that,” Cornell said. “Tell the World Masters we’re sorry the state of Florida didn’t want you to come.”
During public comment, Alachua County resident Tamara Robbins said the commission was being “manipulated” and “railroaded” into the World Masters project.
“Good luck with this event because this is a never ending pit. Building a javelin and discus at a public park is ridiculous,” she said. “Seriously? Nobody in this county does javelin.”
While Alford disagreed with the utility of the project, she said finding a way to frame Gainesville as a hub for athletic competitions could have benefits beyond the World Masters.
“This is the event that puts us on the map. This is the event that goes on ESPN that other people look at and say, ‘Let’s go to Gainesville,’” she said. “I see the economic impact of this well beyond this one event.”
The commission voted 3-1 to authorize the capital improvements, with Cornell dissenting.
There will be a community engagement meeting Aug. 13 to discuss resident desires for the West End Park.
Contact Morgan Vanderlaan at mvanderlaan@alligator.org. Follow her on X @morgvande.
Morgan Vanderlaan is a second year Political Science major and the Fall 2024 Politics Enterprise Reporter. When she's not on the clock she can be found writing, reciting, and watching theatre!
