Leesburg, Fla. (AP) — The Leesburg Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex is slated for a significant renovation, transforming the facility into one of Central Florida’s top softball and baseball venues. The ambitious project will involve the removal of the two existing football and soccer fields, which will be replaced by state-of-the-art ball fields designed to cater specifically to softball and baseball. Please note that these plans are concepts and that the final design has not been chosen yet.

Currently First Academy-Leesburg uses this as this complex as their home football and soccer field. While we have not confirmed, it is likely that First Academy-Leesburg will transition to the new Susan Street Athletic Complex and use the new articial turf main football stadium in the coming years.

(Two new ball fields and improvements to seating and other areas of the compex will greatly improve the overall functionality and make this a truly state of the art venue.)

The renovation, spearheaded by the City of Leesburg, includes comprehensive upgrades to the complex’s infrastructure and amenities. The plan encompasses the installation of new natural grass fields with dirt infields, enhanced lighting and irrigation systems, expanded internet and broadcasting capabilities, and the addition of 8-10 extra ladies’ restrooms to accommodate the increased foot traffic.

Fields #1 and #4 will feature 350-450 main stadium’s, complete with a press box, while Fields #2 and #3 will have 200-seat towable bleachers, offering a more intimate game-day experience. All fields will undergo aesthetic improvements, with relocated dugouts positioned approximately 25 feet down the baselines and extended, padded backstops.

(Note the bottom left. Both football and soccer fields will be removed in favor of more youth baseball fields. All football and soccer games will move to Susan Street in the coming years while Sleepy Hollow will become a baseball and softball facility.)

Additionally, the complex’s former football and soccer fields will be repurposed as Fields #9 and #10, each equipped with 200-seat towable bleachers and layouts similar to those of the main fields. It is possible that batting cages will be installed behind these new fields.

Fields #5 through #8 will see a transition to an 80/20 clay/sand infield composition, enhancing the playing surface’s durability and performance.

Beyond the fields, the renovation will include upgrades to signage, aesthetics, and electrical systems throughout the complex, ensuring a modern and cohesive look and feel. The project is slated to begin following the completion of renovations at the Susan Street Complex in Leesburg which is slated to begin in early 2025. As soon as work wraps on that project, work will begin on Sleepy Hollow.

(Many of the Clay surfaces will be replaced with a much more playable 80/20 Sand/Clay mixture which will improve the play and maintenance.)

Travis Rima, Director of Recreation for the City of Leesburg, expressed enthusiasm about the forthcoming changes. “This renovation will elevate the Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex into a premier destination for softball and baseball in the region. We’re excited to see the positive impact it will have on our community and visiting teams.”

The Sleepy Hollow Sports Complex’s transformation reflects Leesburg’s commitment to providing top-tier recreational facilities. This is a huge win for local youth sports in our area. Lake County continues to send student-athletes off to NCAA Division 1 programs. We have seen a notable rise in the amount of players attending these school’s and in turn they are giving back to our communities. We are very excited for this program to get off the ground.

Much still needs to be decided upon as these are only concepts, but we have a lot to look forward to the next few years.