TALLAHASSEE, FL (WTXL) - Apalachee Regional Park in Leon County was named 2016 "Venue of the Year" by the Florida Sports Foundation after county officials say it generated more than $9 million in visitor spending.
At its recent annual summit, the Florida Sports Foundation recognized Leon County's Apalachee Regional Park (ARP) as one of six honored for outstanding efforts in sports tourism.
County officials say the park was applauded for the economic benefit it brought to the area when hosting local, state, and national cross country events. They reported the park generated $9.7 million in direct visitor spending from these events between 2012 and 2015.
Leon County Administrator Vincent S. Long says the Apalachee Regional Park is a big reason sports tourism has really hit stride in Leon County in the past few years. "The park has earned a great reputation as the course to run on in the southeast", said Long.
Bill Proctor, the Commission Chairman in Leon County, says this statewide award proves the ARP Cross Country Course as one of the best in the region and its huge economic impact is a big deal for local businesses and hotels, too.
It is expected the park will continue to generate profits as nine major cross country events are scheduled to be hosted at ARP, including three national championship meets. Leon County officials say the meets are projected to attract 21,000 visitors and generate $8.4 million of direct spending in the area.
