An outline for a five-year plan to construct a soccer/athletic complex was included in an evaluation submitted to Shelbyville by the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation's Recreational and Educational Services.

The report recommends using 42 acres of land located near the city's airport for the proposed facility, which could include eight soccer fields and four baseball/softball fields.

The timeline would have work begin in 2009, beginning with acquiring the site plans for phase one of the sports complex construction. The report states that Shelbyville has around 1,000 participants in its youth soccer program and that it's likely the number of users for the soccer program will double by the completion of the five-year plan.

A total of eight fully lighted soccer fields "would be the minimum that could meet the needs of the city of Shelbyville's expected soccer user population," the report says.

The planning process and pre-application for both a Local Parks and Recreation Funding (LPRF) grant and a Recreation Trail Program (RTP) grant should be completed during 2009 as would the construction of a road and two bridges that would connect the proposed complex to Highway 231 North by the airport.

The report suggests construction of the soccer fields should get underway in 2010, a total of eight lighted fields with an irrigation system.

Construction should also begin that year on a walking trail, the report recommends. The outline suggests that the trail should run along the sports complex to a creek nearby. Picnic area bench should be located along the trail and a portion of the area should meet American Disability Act (ADA) laws.

In 2011, it is proposed that that the planning and pre-application for a LPRF grant should begin, along with the design for the baseball/softball facility.

The report says the facilities should include three fields designed for baseball 12 years old and under with an outfield fence of 200 feet, while a fourth field should be set aside for girls' fast pitch softball.

Other projects proposed for 2011 would be the construction of a parking lot for the soccer facility and concession stands and restrooms.

For 2012, the timeline calls for acquiring the site plans for phase two and the complex's construction, including completing the LPRF grant application for the baseball/softball fields and the RTP grant application of the walking trail extension. Also included for the proposal for 2012 is adding a playground between the walking trail and the soccer fields.

A complete needs analysis is suggested for this year, the report reads. The city's Park and Recreation Board, the Recreation Department and city administration should evaluate the current status of recreation for the sports complex and the city and use the needs analysis to develop a new five year plan to begin in the year 2014.

The year 2013 should see the beginning of the construction of the ballfields, the trail extension and an additional parking lot.