March 1, 2024

Parks and Recreation to celebrate completion of new athletic complex

The Johnson City Board of Commissioners will join City staff to celebrate the completion of the James K. Ellis Athletic Complex located at Winged Deer Park, 277 Championship Lane, with a ribbon-cutting, dedication and grand opening ceremony. Scheduled for March 8 at 1 p.m., the day’s event will begin with Mayor Todd Fowler’s first pitch. The public is invited to attend the ceremony to celebrate the grand opening.

“This expansion is a game changer for Johnson City,” said Assistant City Manager Steve Willis. “I am grateful to see the successful completion of a project that had its beginnings under the leadership of James Ellis during his tenure as the director of Parks and Recreation, and championed by key stakeholders within the City. Their vision for what this park could become is being realized today with softball, baseball and soccer games scheduled through 2024.”

The City purchased 37 acres adjacent to Winged Deer Park for the athletic complex expansion in 2018. Schematic designs approved by the Commission in 2020 are now a reality with the addition of four softball and two synthetic turf fields bringing the total playable surfaces to nine diamond and nine rectangular. The facility includes sports lighting, a warm up area, a playground, a walking trail and a concession stand.

The project, which cost more than $17 million, was paid for using Capital Improvement Plan funding.

For questions about the event, please contact the Parks and Recreation Administration Office at 423.283.5815.

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