Enterprise, Ala.(WDNews) – City and state officials gathered Tuesday to celebrate the grand opening of the Enterprise Sports Complex at Peavy Park, a project made possible through collaboration between the City of Enterprise, Enterprise State Community College (ESCC), and the Alabama Community College System.
“This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when community partners come together with a shared vision,” Mayor William E. Cooper said . “This complex will serve not only our residents but visitors from across the region. It is especially meaningful to bring a project of this scale to the south side of town, expanding opportunities for recreation and gathering for our entire community.”
Construction began after the Alabama Community College System donated 25 acres of land, with groundbreaking held on January 10, 2022. The complex includes three multipurpose athletic fields, four sand volleyball courts, a pavilion, and restroom facilities. The Enterprise Water Works Board was also recognized for its role in providing irrigation support.
Mayor Cooper honored the late Matt Rodgers, former ESCC President, for his early support of the vision. Rodgers attended the groundbreaking before passing away in June 2022.
“Matt Rodgers believed in this project from day one,” Cooper said. “He would be proud of what has become of this space and, I believe, even prouder of the continued and strengthened partnership between the City and Enterprise State.”
Current ESCC President Danny Long reflected on Rodgers’ legacy and the transformation of the area.
Courtesy of the City of Enterprise“President Rodgers had a vision for this corner of Enterprise, and he certainly planted those seeds, and I am honored to continue to water those seeds, and build on the relationship we have,” Long said. “This whole corner of Enterprise has been transformed for our athletes, our community members, our residents. This is an exciting day.”
Blake Moore, Director of Community Services and Recreation, said the complex brings new opportunities for local and regional events.
“The new facilities open up exciting possibilities for Enterprise,” Moore said. “We now have the infrastructure to host youth and adult tournaments, sand volleyball competitions, and more. This not only improves quality of life for our residents but will also help draw new visitors to our city and boost local tourism.”
The sports complex is part of a multi-phase investment in Peavy Park and surrounding recreation areas. In the coming weeks, the city will reopen the original Peavy Park, which has been upgraded with multipurpose fields, expanded parking, new restrooms, and a pedestrian bridge with walking trails to connect both sides of the growing complex.
These upgrades align with the City’s 2023 Comprehensive Plan, which states: “planned upgrades and expansion of Peavy Park will improve recreation options for south central Enterprise residents.”
Mayor Cooper praised the long-term impact of the improvements. “This is more than just a park,” he said. “It is a symbol of progress, pride, and a promise kept to our residents, especially those on the south side. This is the kind of quality-of-life investment that will make a difference for generations.”
The Enterprise Sports Complex at Peavy Park is now open to the public, with programs and activities launching in the coming weeks. More information is available at rec.enterpriseal.gov.
