26-acre sports complex planned for Cowpens, leaders say its a catalyst for growth

COWPENS, S.C. (FOX Carolina) – The old Cowpens Middle School closed about 2 years ago, since then it’s been vacant. But the plan is to build a 26-acre athletics complex.

Cowpens is on the eastside of Spartanburg which unlike the rest of the county has been a little behind on growth. In the past, residents have prioritized wanting to see things like more businesses, homes and a grocery store.

County leaders say this park will be the catalyst needed to spark all of the community’s wishes. The complex will be similar to the Tyger River park in Duncan, including, baseball fields, soccer fields, a football field, trail and they’ll keep the school’s gym for indoor sports like basketball and volleyball.

Councilman David Britt says just like in Duncan, this park will attract other development.

“This will drive residential development on the eastside of Spartanburg, as well as great industrial development, too, which will offer jobs and just help make the east side of Spartanburg what we all want it to be,” he said.

The estimated total is about $6 million. Around $5 million has been awarded by the state. Britt says he expects the state to later fund the remaining costs and if not, the county will.

They plan to move fast and begin demolition of the middle school as soon as possible. The goal is for the park to be ready in two years.

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