Bethel Park Council sets public hearing for Cool Springs expansion plans
Bethel Park Council has scheduled an Oct. 27 public hearing on expansion plans proposed by Cool Springs Sports Complex.
Owners of the golf and sports facility, which is located along Hamilton Road, are seeking approval to construct an indoor sports center on the 55-acre property.
In October 2013, Brian Shanahan purchased the dilapidated golf center for approximately $1.66 million. He also paid the back taxes on the property just days before it was scheduled for sheriff’s sale.
This past summer, Shanahan opened the revamped facility with a new 18-hole miniature golf course and state-of-the-art driving range, as well as a snack bar.
Phase 2 of the project, which will be the subject of the public hearing, will include a 172,000-square-foot indoor sports facility with an artificial turf surface large enough for professional soccer, lacrosse or football. The turf will be removable so that the surface underneath can be used for basketball or volleyball. In addition, plans call for construction of an indoor track and a fitness area.
Outside, the owners plan to replace the existing batting cages and construct several multi-use fields and a Dek hockey rink. Cool Springs owners have already purchased 15 acres of municipal owned property adjacent to the sports complex and plan to develop a walking trail and a handicapped accessible baseball field.
Plans call for the second phase of the project to be completed during the summer of 2015.
In 2004, neighbors opposed a proposal by the previous owner who wanted to build a 85-foot-high structure that would have covered the driving range.
Council President Tim Moury has proposed, barring any strong objections during the public hearing, that council convene a special meeting following the hearing to vote on approval.