Columbia County Plans $50M Sports Complex With Indoor Pool, Restaurant Set To Open in 2026

A state-of-the-art sports hub will soon take shape on 22 acres across from Patriots Park in Columbia County, Georgia. It will include a 10-lane competition pool, a physical therapy or recreational pool, and an indoor training facility built to serve year-round athletes.

Former pro athlete Samuel Lilly spearheads the sports complex initiative, along with John Bojescul, the developer of the project.

"Lilly has been training folks for over 30 years in this area and has had to move from one place to another and wanted a home base," said John Bojescul to WRDW.

Inside, athletes will find four basketball courts, space for football and soccer, plus a dedicated track area. The plans include a special therapy pool, which will double as a spot for casual swimmers.

The need for more training space hits close to home for local sports staff. "The amount of growing that we've done over the last 10-20 years. We're due for our own facilities," said Kristen Schlegel, who coaches swim and lacrosse at Greenbrier High School, to WRDW.

Traffic won't be an issue. Workers will install new signals at the Patriots Park entrance while there are plans to widen Columbia Road. The site has already passed zoning approval, done traffic analysis, and completed ground tests.

Food options will include Nordhaven Rustic, a unique spot starting construction next May. By day, it'll serve freshly baked goods, and the menu will shift to a seafood and steak restaurant at night.

While final funding awaits approval, the team aims to wrap up construction by late 2026.