Beaufort County Parks asks for feasibility and site‑selection study for regional tournament complex

Eric Brown and Shane Staggart from Beaufort County Parks and Recreation asked the ATAX committee to fund a market feasibility and site‑selection study for a proposed regional tournament complex that would expand the county’s ability to host multi‑day tournaments. The presenters said the project is not a typical ATAX request but argued it would generate recurring room nights and economic activity if implemented; they described the study as a necessary step before construction and noted potential siting constraints such as wetlands at Burton Wells.

Committee members discussed phasing the study (market analysis first, then site work) and coordination with the CVB and other regional studies. The presenters said they would include evaluation of multiple sports and said the study could be scoped to allow two‑phase funding should the committee prefer that approach.