City council reviews three scenarios for proposed indoor sports complex

A proposed indoor sports complex in West Plains could add hundreds of millions to the local economy and more than 30 new jobs. The West Plains city council heard from Hunden & Partners on Monday, March 23. The firm presented findings from a feasibility study for the indoor sports complex. The study outlined three development scenarios looking at 8 sites across West Plains with costs, economic impact, and potential tax benefits.

 

The 2025 viability of new recreational activity center for West Plains recently completed the comprehensive site visit, along with meeting and interviewing parks users and tournament organizers. Hunden & Partners touched on the strengths West Plains has being a central location between many states, adequate support amenities such as hotels and restaurants for regional tournaments as well as a strong local demand to drive weekday use. The weaknesses the study showed were a limited population within a one-hour drive and limited accessibility to regional and international airports. Threats to this project were the Branson, Mo. proposed sports facility and the Jonesboro, Ark. Ridge Athletic Center sports facility which is currently under construction. The opportunities for this facility highlighted a new location for regional tournaments, enhance community use and provide courts for unmet demand as there are no four-court or more facilities within an 80-mile radius of West Plains.

 

Three scenarios were presented to the West Plains City Council that included:

 

Scenario #1 - 4-court facility with no amenities to include 4 basketball courts, 8 volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts, 3,000 square feet of office space, concessions/bathrooms/locker rooms/changing areas. The total cost would be $14,162,500 with a 10-year operating loss of $150,000.

 

Scenario #2 - 4-court facility with amities to include 4 basketball courts, 8 volleyball courts, 12 pickleball courts, 6,000 square foot workout/fitness room, 3,000 square feet of office space, walking track elevated around courts, concessions/bathrooms/locker rooms/changing areas. The total cost would be $17,919,000 with a 10-year operating loss of $132,000.

 

Scenario #3 "Expansion" - 6 basketball courts, 12 volleyball courts, 18 pickle ball courts, 6,000 square foot workout/fitness room, 3,000 square feet of office space, walking track elevated around courts, concessions/bathrooms/locker rooms/changing areas. The total cost would be $245,200,250 with a 10-year operating loss of $77,000. This scenario would be dependent on the performance of the facility for the first five to seven years.

 

The 30-year tax generation to the City of West Plains would be $4.59 million or $153,000 annually for scenario 1; $4.64 million or $155,000 annually for scenario 2; and $5.63 million or $188,000 annually.

Charlie Johnson with Hunden & Partners explained that the sales tax generated from the facility could cover the operating losses. "Tax generation covers the operating loss of those facilities. So, not only is it increasing the total amount of economic impact, it's also providing a valuable community assets to the city of West Plains."

 

The key takeaways from the presentation included the facility generating an average of $206 million in net new spending, $53 million in net new earnings, 34 peak full-time jobs, and $5 million in new local tax revenue.

 

City Administrator Sam Anselm explained to council that the timeline of the project aligns with the August or November elections as the city's current sales tax is 1%.

 

Mayor Mike Topliff commented that this would be up to the citizens of West Plains.

 

Other agenda items included:

-Approval of minutes of February 17 regular meeting and March 4 special meeting.

-Approval of surplus vehicles and equipment: 2007 Crafco SS125 crack seal trailer and product; 1972 AM general truck; 1974 2800 tire roller; 1993 International 4700 flatbed; B160 series IH distributor truck; Flink spreader bed; Henderson Chief FSh10 spreader bed; Henderson Chief FSh-M9 spreader bed; Swenson spreader bed; 3 fuel oil tanks; American Steel Works foot roller; Rhino 484 brush hog; tire machine; Land Pride finish mower; Flink HD6-4 chipper gate #1638; Flink HD6 chipper gate #1620; Coats 2020 SuperStar tire machine; and 2015 International street sweeper.

-Approval of Disposal of Records: Human Resources Department GS 028: Time and Attendance Records, 2016-2021, 1 cubic foot.

-First reading of Bill 4818, an ordinance approving the adoption of amended budgets for the fiscal year beginning January 1, 2026 and ending December 31, 2026.

-Kathleen Morrisey spoke regarding the 2026 Creative Community Award and presented a copy of the poster to the mayor and city council members. Kathleen thanked the mayor and council for their support of the arts

-Mayor Topliff presented the 2026 State of the City Address which highlights a year of progress in West Plains, including the near completion of the Independence Drive Overpass to improve safety and traffic flow, new job opportunities with Provalus, and upcoming expansions, and the “Homes for Tomorrow” initiative to improve housing. Together, these efforts reflect the city’s commitment to growth, safety, and a strong future, made possible by dedicated employees, leadership, and community pride.