𝐄𝐂𝐄𝐃𝐀 𝐡𝐨𝐬𝐭𝐬 𝐫𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐭𝐚𝐛𝐥𝐞 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐚𝐝𝐜𝐚𝐬𝐭 𝐚𝐭 𝟏𝟕 𝐒𝐩𝐫𝐢𝐧𝐠𝐬 𝐚𝐭𝐡𝐥𝐞𝐭𝐢𝐜 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐩𝐥𝐞𝐱

The Elmore County Economic Development Authority (ECEDA) hosted a radio broadcast with Doug Amos on Thursday at 17 Springs, discussing its impact on the local economy and highlighting the Elmore County Board of Education soccer programs.

Located in Millbrook just one mile off Interstate 65 at Exit 181, 17 Springs has quickly become a destination for sports enthusiasts, event planners, and visitors seeking top-tier facilities in a welcoming environment. The complex continues to draw tournaments, community events, and regional visitors contributing to both economic growth and expanded opportunities for local athletes.

Bill Myers, YMCA’s Vice President of Operations for Elmore County, praised the work of the many local partners whose collaboration helped bring 17 Springs to life, including the YMCA, ECEDA, Elmore County Board of Education, Elmore County Commission, and City of Millbrook.

“I’m just blown away by the level of activity here,” said Myers. “It never ceases to amaze me the types of events we are having — both sport and non-sport. “It’s really turned out to be a great finished product, and I think all the different partners and all the different opinions really helped lend themselves to having a great venue now.”

As the complex continues to attract events, local leaders say its influence is being felt in the area’s economy.

Ann Harper, Economic Development Director for the City of Millbrook, hinted at the influx of hotels coming to the area as the success of 17 Springs drives the economy and increases the demand for accommodations.

“We have a tremendous number of people using this facility annually,” said Harper. “A lot of these events are multi-day, which means these people need somewhere to stay, and you know, you want to stay close to where you’re having your event.”

Beyond tourism and economic growth, educators and coaches say the complex and other quality of life investments are creating meaningful opportunities for students across the county.

Elmore County High School Athletic Director Kyle Caldwell explained that the impact goes beyond the economy, noting that the need for the facility improvements had grown alongside the county’s increasing population.

“Just the growth of soccer in our county, if we don’t adapt and do things to keep the sport going, those kids are going to find somewhere else,” said Caldwell. “You know, 98% of our guys are not going to go play a college sport, so why not have the best high school experience you can have?”

Wetumpka High School Soccer Head Coach Stephen Horn agreed, adding that athletics offer lessons that extend far beyond competition.

“I think the biggest thing for me personally in the classroom and on the field is drawing the connection, meeting students and the student athletes where they are and just trying to get them to be the best versions of themselves,” said Horn.

Holtville High School Soccer Coach Luke Fussell complimented the county, emphasizing that the work of the school board and camaraderie among coaches help create an environment that families want to be part of.

“This is a special place where people want to be,” said Fussell. “We have a great public school education, and I’m really, really honored to be a part of it. When I was a student athlete, you could feel that some were greater and some were less than, and that’s just not the case here. Everyone is valued. Everyone matters and contributes to Elmore County.”​​​