New Hohenberg creates more opportunities in Wetumpka and beyond

If you build it, they will come.

For generations, families and athletes have come to Hohenberg Field for fútbol Americano. Now they will come for traditional fútbol after the ribbon was cut on new soccer fields at the City of Wetumpka park. It is all part of quality of life projects the Elmore County Commission has put together with the help of various partners. 

Two new turf soccer fields were constructed just out from under the lights once used on Friday nights. They will help a growing sport in Wetumpka and demonstrate the city and county’s efforts to improve life.

“It will allow the soccer community to grow here,” Wetumpka Parks and Recreation director Tiffany Chandler said. “We are excited about it.”

The Hohenberg Field project came to life about the time the concept of 17 Springs in Millbrook came about. In Millbrook, it was a partnership of Millbrook, the county, the Elmore County board of Education and Grandview YMCA. In Wetumpka the project is an effort of the county, Wetumpka and the board of education.

The county contributed $6 million and the city $1.5 million.

“I think when you realize we are stronger as we come together than we are individually, we can get a lot more accomplished,” Wetumpka Mayor Jerry Willis said. “This has worked. You wouldn’t see the development going on across the county without cooperation.”

Willis said between the Hohenberg Field project and paving on the west side of the Coosa River in recent years, it shows the city’s commitment to reinvestment and growth. It has drawn the attention of others.

“Everything on the westside is getting pretty much refurbished,” Willis said. “It has been something that needed to be done. Others are interested. They are calling wanting to invest in projects.”

The old Wetumpka High School sits just south of the project. It is still used by county schools in a variety of ways. The school and original football field was possible because of a generous gift from the Hohenberg family decades ago. The gift now lives on and will help Wetumpka grow.

“It allows you to expand programs,” Willis said. “We have been limited at times because we didn’t have enough facilities.”

At the field, there are sidewalks and paved parking lots. The new fields will allow more recreational activities for area residents. It will also allow the recruitment of tournaments, bringing visitors who likely will spend money in restaurants and shops.

Officials are also looking to the future. Phase 2 at Hohenberg Field includes an artificial turf for the original football field. There is property immediately north of the project for future expansion.

This goes along with the 175 acres the City of Wetumpka owns in the Wetumpka Sports Complex. A new football stadium with a track, tennis courts and baseball and softball fields are already constructed, but Willis said there is more coming.

“There are other areas we haven’t developed yet,” Willis said. “There are other things on the horizon where we hope to one day be able to do. We are currently looking at partnerships for an arena.”

Elmore County Commission chair Bart Mercer knows the improvements at Hohenberg Field are just the latest in a line of projects to make the quality of residents better.

“All across Elmore County we are working with other partners to make improvements for our citizens to enjoy,” Mercer said. “As we all know, Elmore County is growing and we want to continue to make it a place to live, work and raise our families.”