City breaks ground on new Omnisports District
Nov. 9—Construction is officially under way on the city of Cullman's long-awaited multi-million-dollar mixed-use sports and civic center which, when completed, will become the flagship facility anchoring what the city is calling the Omnisports District.
During a groundbreaking ceremony held Thursday, Nov. 9, Cullman Parks, Recreation and Sports Tourism director Nathan Anderson said the logo-ready name was chosen to reflect the variety of amenities throughout the 140-acre district.
"This district really will live up to that name. It will be a true testament to our city's commitment, our park board's commitment and our team's commitment at CPRST to provide a space for all types of games, gatherings and community members," Anderson said.
Much like the district it will soon anchor, the new 115,000 square foot facility, referred to as the Omniplex Sports and Civic Center, will meet a variety of community needs with its 10 indoor basketball courts, 19 indoor volleyball courts and six indoor pickleball courts.
"Yes, for all of the pickleball enthusiasts, we are adding more," Anderson said.
Anderson said the new facility will only add to the surrounding municipal parks which he said have seen more than 700,000 visitors this year alone.
"The parks around us, Field of Miracles, Heritage Park, the Wellness and Aquatics Center, the Active Adult Center and Ingle Park, have served this community well. It's been a gem for us for the past thirty years," Anderson said. "Through the years they have promoted active lifestyles, fostered community engagement and provided a welcoming environment for residents and visitors to come together to compete and celebrate the joy of sports and recreation."
The facility has been on the forefront of city official's minds since the previous civic center was purchased by Desperation Church in 2019. However, Cullman Mayor Woody Jacobs said the facility would more accurately be described as the culmination of Chester Freeman's vision which began with the completion of Heritage Park more than 30 years ago.
"Chester helped the Parks Board envision the idea of sports tourism," Jacobs said. "When we started the journey we really didn't know where we were going, we just knew the direction we wanted to go in."
Anderson said the district will continue that vision through an immense and ever-evolving array of amenities to encourage sports tourism. Tourism bureau chairman Jeff Tolbert estimated the economic impact created by the completion of the Omniplex could exceed $1 billion during the next 20 years.
"The Omni Sports District has been and will continue to be a vibrant and expansive recreational hub that will cater to the diverse needs and interests of our community. All the while being a powerful economic driver for our business community," Anderson said.
