Big Bend proposed sports complex; public hearing on rezoning land

Public comment for Big Bend proposed sports complex

It was a packed house for the public hearing regarding the proposed sports complex in Big Bend.

BIG BEND, Wis. - A public hearing was held Thursday night, Jan. 29, in the Village of Big Bend to discuss a proposed sports complex, and it was a packed house.

The meeting was about whether to rezone part of the property from residential to commercial.

Developers say the proposed Breck Athletic Complex will have a substantial economic impact for a village with a population of around 1,500.

Many neighbors have already expressed concern for the project while others see it as a slam dunk for the surrounding area.

Hearing on proposed Big Bend sports complex

A sports complex has been proposed for Big Bend, and a public hearing on rezoning land for it will be held Thursday.

Proposed sports complex 

What we know:

Candace Foss and her husband Terry have lived in the area for decades.

She says her husband’s family used to own the land now proposed to feature the 150-acre sports complex.

It's something she’s on board with.

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Big Bend proposed sports complex; public hearing

A public hearing will be held Thursday night, Jan. 29, in the Village of Big Bend to discuss a proposed sports complex. 

"We’re all for it," said Candace. "We figured that a sports complex would be something very nice, it would bring families together, it would bring revenue to the people here and in Big Bend."

That's estimated at around $170 million. Developers are calling it the Breck Athletic Complex.

The complex will have numerous athletic fields, indoor facilities, and commercial businesses.

It’ll also feature a hotel and gas station.

Proposed layout

"If you don’t have progress, you’re not making any money. This land is sitting vacant. Why not put it good use?" added Candace.

Located at the corner of State Highway 164 and Skyline Avenue, it sits at the border of the Village of Vernon.

Skyline Ave.

Residents concerned

Dig deeper:

Neighbors there and in Big Bend say the project will be more of a headache, with concerns including noise pollution, light intrusion of nearby homes, and traffic congestion.

"We’ve realized that we’re not going to be able to make everyone happy, but we want to do our best to make sure that we’re not doing something that’s negatively impacting the area," said spokesperson Eric Weishaar.

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He added that they’ve worked on ways to implement barriers to reduce light and noise concerns, but plan to hear more from neighbors about the project.

"This is a sports complex where kids come and play. It’s going to bring a lot of revenue here, it’s going to bring the money in, you’re going to have lots of stuff here," said Weishaar.

There's still a little ways to go before it's approved by the board. But if it does, construction will take place in phases through 2030.