BY SARAH STEPHENS
ELMORE/AUTAUGA NEWS
The Elmore County Commission has released a conceptual video of what the 17 Springs Project in Millbrook will look like once completed.
The huge project, which encompasses agencies such as the City of Millbrook, the Grandview YMCA/Montgomery YMCA, Elmore County Commission, ECEDA and the Elmore County School Board is a “game changer” according to Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley. The facility is projected to be a state-of-the-art location with multiple ball fields, a competition level track and much more as other phases are completed.
Ideas are still being discussed for Phase II and officials are talking with community members about their ideas, and what they feel would be beneficial.
As this project moves forward, the ball fields at Mill Creek Park could be adapted to other areas of interest for the public, such as a dog park and/or Splashpad type of facility.
In addition to all of this, the City of Millbrook is looking at a redesign and improvements to downtown along Main Street. For some time, the city has been acquiring properties as they became available around the current City Hall and along Main Street. There are discussions of utilizing Mill Creek, which flows behind Village Green, with walking trails. One project that should begin soon is a new Millbrook Senior Citizen Center. For years the organization has used the Memorial Center, which is also leased out to private events. The new Senior Center will be specifically for area seniors citizens who take part in the program overseen by Director Olivia Venable.
As for 17 Springs project, The Elmore County Commission said site clearing began at the property in Millbrook this week. County forces will be onsite over the next several weeks clearing selective areas of the project property. There is still much work to be done, officials say, but work is beginning.
Design team members for the 17 Springs Project are Dalhoff Thomas, Krebs, and Seay, Seay, Litchfield (SSL). They have been working alongside city, county and YMCA personnel to advance the design of Phase I of the project. Design work on the Fieldhouse, the multi-purpose centerpiece facility, will begin in early 2021 as Phase 2 design gets underway. To get a conceptual view of the initial SSL design concept for The Fieldhouse at Seventeen Springs, click https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjfbSMjIzrM&feature=youtu.be
Agencies involved have signed memorandums of understanding and agreed they will all work together to move this project forward, sharing in the projected $35 million budget and/or management.
One thing is for sure, officials say. Millbrook is growing, Elmore County is growing, and as more residents move to the area, they are wanting more options when it comes to outdoor recreation, and quality of life activities.
Multiple projects are planned and will be completed in phases over the next several years. See more photos below.
