Play ball!

FREEPORT – To say that Shaun Arntz is excited about the new Freeport Regional Sports Complex understates his enthusiasm.
Arntz is the interim recreation director at the new complex set for its grand opening in Freeport next week. Arntz, a recent graduate of the University of Southern Mississippi and a Freeport native, has had an interest in the park since its inception.
With 60 acres of ball fields and playground areas, the new complex will be a first for Freeport and Walton County. 
“This is unprecedented,” said Arntz. “One of the long-term goals for this complex is to host regional sports. This will have huge growth potential for Freeport.”
The land was donated by the developers of the Hammock Bay, Crystal Beach Development, A Jay Odom Company. The park is located just west of Freeport on County Road 83A off of State Road 20.
Odom’s company was also the winning bidder for construction of the park.
“When I first met (Freeport) mayor Micky Marse, he told me that the city needed land for a sports park. I wanted Hammock Bay to be part of the Freeport community and a great community neighbor. I immediately said ‘I’ll give you the land and let’s build a world class sports park,’” said Odom.
The construction price of the park was approximately $5,400,000.  The City of Freeport received $400,000 in grants from the Florida Department of Environmental Protection’s, Florida Recreation Development Assistance Program, and was responsible for approximately $158,000 in infrastructure costs from local funds. The balance was financed by Walton County.
In addition to the ball fields, the park boasts a two-story press box, bench-lined paved walkways, nine pavilions and a large playground. A splash park area is planned for the future. The park is also equipped with amenities such as photocell-activated lights, restrooms with cold-water fountains, and pavilions with electrical outlets and barbecue grills.
There is a flag football team starting July 15, and plans for youth programs in the near future.
The grand opening celebration will be held July 5 from noon – 8:30 p.m.

Ball fields:
5 baseball/softball fields
2 football/soccer fields
3 tennis courts
1 sand volleyball court
2 basketball courts
8 shuffleboard courts

From Santa Rosa Beach take U.S. Highway 331 North to State Road 20, go left to Freeport City Hall, turn left on County Road 83A, and go .9 mile. Park entrance will be on the right. (Lori Ceier/The Sun)