For a virtual tour of the 17 springs project (when completed) copy and past the following link in to your browser: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TjfbSMjIzrM
By Andrew Edwards
Elmore/Autauga News Staff Writer
Great things are coming to Millbrook, including the highly anticipated mega-sports complex project on Highway 14, aptly named “17 Springs.”
Simultaneously, the city has begun their preparations to create a formal downtown area that centers around the park known as the “Village Green.”
At Monday morning’s weekly Prattville Millbrook Sunrise Rotary Club, City of Millbrook Economic Development Director Ann Harper gave an update on those major projects that will be coming to the area in the near future.
17 Springs will be designed to attract a large amount of recreational tourism to the Millbrook area, providing a variety of fields and courts for sports leagues/the general public to utilize. Harper explained that the project will be split into three phases, the first of which is already happening.
The first portion, known as the “Grandview Phase,” will include five full size, lighted rectangular sports fields, one tennis complex with 12 lighted, regulation tennis courts and 12 pickle ball courts.
There will also be a new lower pond that will be programmable for water activities, and sidewalks and parking to accommodate access to the facilities.
Harper said that the goal is to have the first phase completely finished and operational “around this time next year.”
While the area is under construction, the city will continue to help plan and design the 80-100,000 sq ft indoor, multi-plex facility known as the “fieldhouse phase,” or phase 2.
“It can be utilized for year-round sports, small trade conventions, and things of that nature. It’s going to be one of our expensive endeavors, as that project will total out to about $18 Million,” Harper said.
Harper went on to explain that land surrounding the 17 springs project will also be utilized in various ways.
“Just as important as the sports complex is the growth that’s going to happen around it. When we designed the park, we purposely left property in the front open that has the potential to develop commercial retail. We have engaged with consultants that will help us with a land use plan for seven properties around the park – some are owned by the city, while others are privately owned. We’re looking at mixed retail, hotels, convenience stores, restaurants and shopping. Our vision is, as you enter the 17 Springs district, you know you’re there. It’s going to be something special,” Harper said.
The indoor facility and line of retail chains would begin soon after the completion of phase 1 next year.
The final phase, or “Champion phase,” will include a turf rectangular field with stadium seating and a competitive track. Harper says this portion of the project is a little more down the road, as the city is not anticipating to begin construction on it for another 2-3 years.
Equally exciting, Harper says, is what the city is planning to do with its downtown area.
“Because we incorporated so late, specifically in 1977, we don’t have a traditional downtown like you see in the areas around us. We’re developing a little different, but we have a chance to craft it the way that we want,” Harper said.
Recently, the City of Millbrook engaged with the consultant agency Downtown Strategies to begin an idea for what the downtown area could look like. The city has already begun to etch out several areas that could drastically change the way that people view the area.
One attraction that officially began last night is a mural that will be painted on the south, exterior wall of the W.E.L.C.O.M.E Center. The idea is that mural will highlight scenic landmarks from the area. The artist is Kevin King of Montgomery. For more information, visit his Facebook page The King’s Canvas, or visit thekingscanvas.org.
King started working last night after dark so he could project his artwork on to the wall and begin work on tracing. Over time colors will be added, and the big picture will be obvious. It could take up to a month to be complete.
“It’s going to look really nice. Other cities partake in this kind of trend, and it makes the area look more attractive,” Harper explained.
Harper said that the city is encouraging other business owners to do the same and consider a mural on their establishment as well.
Another project that the city is working on is the creation of a creek walk that would run between Grandview Road and Edgewood, Harper said.
“The city has applied for a grant through the recreational trails program through ADECA. It’s going to be a lot of fun and will set the tone for that property,” Harper said.
The concrete walking trail will run parallel to the park with ornamental lighting and benches.
“It’s going to be a very nice walking experience that we anticipate will be completed within a year,” Harper said.
The building of the 17 Springs District along with creation of a true downtown area will ultimately help to attract more and more people to area, and Harper says the changes will come sooner rather than later.
“We’re going to start seeing that transformations really soon,” Harper said with a smile.
