Developer, neighbors speak about proposed athletic complex in Grovetown

GROVETOWN, Ga. (WJBF) – A developer wants to rezone a property across from Patriots Park on Columbia Road from residential to special to build a multi-sport and retail facility, as well as a possible hotel.

The project is sponsored by a company called Excelerated Athletics Community Hub.

“EACH is the abbreviation, it was started by Sammy Lilly. He’s a [former] NFL football player, he’s been a local athletic trainer for many years,” said Dr. John Bojescul, the developer and COO of the project.

The facility would house indoor and outdoor fields and tracks, multi-purpose courts, a gym, an aquatics center, a fitness center and more. Commercial and retail buildings will be fronting the road.

“This is for all ages, starting at age four all the way up to your older ages,” Dr. Bojescul said. “One of the most exciting parts is our natatorium. There is no true swim pool, competition pool that is a 15-meter pool in our area.”

Dr. Bojescul said it will add to the services offered by Patriots Park, encourage fitness and wellness and be an economic boost to the area.

“Without the hotel and retail, just the athletic facility and natatorium is going to bring over one hundred jobs to our area,” he said.

The development getting mixed reactions from neighbors we spoke to.

“That would be awesome because then we wouldn’t have to waste gas to get further out just to go to a restaurant, even swimming and working out,” said Melissa Jones.

“It already takes a long time for us to get down William Few Parkway just to get down to the end of the road, so if they build other stuff here, it’s just going to cause major congestion problems. That’s what I think,” said Annie Smith.

“I think it’s actually going to be complimentary and it’s not going to be as bad as people think. But, I would be silly to say it’s not going to increase traffic, because that’s what you want,” Dr. Bojescul said. “You want a little bit of traffic increase for the businesses and for the people who are training trying to improve their skills.”

The proposal will go to the county’s planning commission on October 3rd. If it’s passed through the board of commissioners, the project is expected to be complete by early 2026, according to the application.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WJBF.