The Sports Facilities Companies Selected by Franklin County, KY, to Manage New Lakeview Park Softball and Youth Baseball Complex
Upcoming seven-diamond venue in Frankfort is designed to drive sports tourism, expand local programming, and create long-term economic impact
(CLEARWATER, Fla.) Oct. 8, 2026– The Franklin County Sports Tourism Commission has selected The Sports Facilities Companies (SFC) to open and operate a new softball and youth baseball complex at Lakeview Park in Franklin County. Currently under construction, the complex is anticipated to be completed in late 2026, with a grand opening planned for spring 2027.
The publicly funded project in Frankfort, Kentucky, is being developed to elevate Frankfort/Franklin county’s sports tourism profile while creating new opportunities for local leagues, programming, and weekday play. The facility is also being positioned to attract regional and national tournament play for softball and baseball up to 12U.
Plans for the complex feature seven NCAA-regulation diamonds measuring maximum 220’ arranged in one 4-plex and one 3-plex configuration, with turfed infields and foul lines throughout. The venue will also include an expanded food and beverage footprint to enhance the guest experience for athletes, families, and visitors. The surrounding Lakeview Park includes a driving range and other amenities.
“Community input shaped the Lakeview Park Master Plan, but we knew Franklin County needed to think bigger,” said Franklin County Judge-Executive Michael Mueller. “These investments create opportunities for our kids, strengthen our economy, and improve quality of life across the county.”
In addition to attracting tournament business, the complex is expected to play a key role in reimagining local league play and activating the venue throughout the week. County leaders see the project as a catalyst for expanded youth programming, increased visitation, and new economic activity for hotels, restaurants, and local businesses in Franklin County.
“Lakeview Park helped start the conversation, but these plans allow us to think about the future of parks and recreation across the entire county,” said Second District Magistrate JW Blackburn, a member of the parks committee. “We’re excited to see these investments come together,”added Third District Magistrate Kelly Dycus, also a member of the parks committee. “They will give families more places to play, gather, and build lasting memories right here in Franklin County.”
“This project represents years of planning, partnerships and a willing to think bigger about what sports can mean in Franklin County,” said Scotty Tracy, former Magistrate, and Chair of the Franklin County Sports Tourism Commission. “I had the opportunity to serve on the Fiscal Court and parks committee when the Lakeview Park master planning process began, and later to help bring forward the idea of creating a Sports Tourism Commission that could turn investments like this into long-term opportunities for our community. We want Lakeview Park to welcome teams and families from across the region, and the country, generate new business, for our local economy, and at the same time give our own kids first-class places to play. Seeing that vision come together is something our entire community can be proud of.”
“Franklin County is creating a facility with the right mix of tournament-ready design, local programming potential, and long-term economic upside,” said Scott Rodgers, VP of Venue Management for SFC. “We are excited to partner with county leadership to help position Lakeview Park as a go-to destination for softball, youth baseball, and memorable guest experiences in Central Kentucky.”
Under the agreement, SFC will provide both pre-opening support and facility management services as the project moves toward launch.
To learn more about SFC, please visit our website at sportsfacilities.com. Stay tuned on Facebook and LinkedIn for updates, programs, and job postings.
