Council approves amended NWSL package after heated debate over McCoy Park; owners to contribute $3M toward replacement park

Columbus City Council on Wednesday narrowly approved Ordinance 1112‑2026 — a development agreement enabling a proposed National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) franchise and related training facilities — after agreeing to amendments designed to protect a Southwest Columbus park the administration had previously advanced for redevelopment.

The ordinance, as amended, requires the city and the ownership group to convene a working group that includes the Southwest Area Commission within 15 days of the city being awarded the franchise. The working group must return to council within 60 days with a plan that identifies alternate sites or steps to deliver the therapeutic recreation park elements that neighborhood residents were promised. The ownership group agreed to an additional $3 million donation to support the replacement park and related amenities.

The vote capped weeks of public hearings and an intense council debate over process and community engagement. Southwest neighbors and the Southwest Area Commission urged council to reject the transfer of McCoy Park, arguing the neighborhood had been promised an inclusive playground, splash pad and therapeutic amenities and that a park promised to break ground this year would be lost. “Vote no. Save McCoy Park,” Liz Reed, chair of the Southwest Area Commission’s Save McCoy Park effort, told council.

Supporters of bringing an NWSL team argued the franchise would deliver broad economic and social benefits and more opportunities for girls and women in sport. Proponents including local team organizers and nonprofit adaptive sports leaders said a local professional women’s team could expand access and community programming.

Administration officials said the NWSL bid is time‑sensitive: the league is considering expansion franchises that would begin play in the 2028 season and a decision is expected soon. Director Stevens told council the ownership group’s bid requires a public‑private component and that the city’s participation is one element of the overall financing package. Recreation and Parks Director Ree acknowledged design work on McCoy Park had occurred earlier and said construction documents were paused when the training‑facility opportunity emerged; she and other staff said they were already reviewing alternate sites and would engage the community in the amended working group.

The amended ordinance passed after a roll call: several members voted in favor while others — citing process failures and skepticism that an adequate replacement park could be found quickly — voted no. Council members who supported the amendment said the changes add accountability, private funding and a clear timeline that preserves city leverage to ensure park commitments are delivered. Opponents said that the community had been shortchanged by the administration’s earlier handling and that the amendment did not replace the immediate, site‑specific promise residents had been given.

Recorded votes (as read in session) show a mix of yes and no votes; the ordinance passed as amended. Council instructed the administration to convene the working group and present site options and a funding plan within the statutory timeline in the amendment.

Quote: “This is not the outcome that the Southwest residents were originally promised… But I feel a real responsibility now to make sure that what comes next is done right,” Council President Harden said when she introduced the amendment.

Next steps: If the ownership group secures the franchise, the city and ownership will convene the working group, outline site options for a replacement park, and link private funding (the pledged $3 million) and any city commitments to delivery of a park plan acceptable to the working group and council. Additional legislation (bonding, leases, contribution agreements) may be required to complete facilities and financing.