City of Decatur and City Schools of Decatur broke ground on improvements to Legacy Park on Feb. 21.

Once complete, the improvements will include a new competition level track, a track and field facility, a synthetic turf athletic field, lighting, locker rooms, improvements to the existing gym, ADA-compliant access, public restrooms, and stormwater management.

“This, to me, represents community and good sportsmanship … being good sports, good neighbors, and good collaborators between our city government and our school system. If one falls down, the other one picks [them] up,” said city commissioner Kelly Walsh.

Park officials said the field will be used for soccer, lacrosse, football, and ultimate frisbee, while areas for pole-vaulting, long jump, shot put, and discus are also planned as part of the improvements.

The construction is expected to be complete for the spring 2025 athletic season. Legacy Park’s masterplan also states that the park’s cross-country course and track could be available for local high schools and universities to use – with the cross-country course providing an alternative to paved runways.

“Today we’re going to give our student athletes … the very best in the state and in the county,” said Mayor Pro Tem Tony Powers. “We have some work to do, folks. This is about to be a very active site. Make no mistake, this is a community venture.”

The track and field’s $7 million cost will be funded equally by City of Decatur and Decatur Board of Education, according to speakers at the event.

Legacy Park and its trail network will remain open during construction, but park officials said the area that will house the athletic fields and track has been fenced off for construction purposes.

The track and field upgrades are part of a plan to transform Legacy Park, according to Decatur Mayor Patti Garrett. Decatur is also building affordable housing units on the property, a creative village for artists to live and work in and…