Recommendations / Tourism / Big Idea #3: Peacock Alley Athletics

Big Idea #3: Peacock Alley Athletics

Part of the "DESTINATION DALTON" initiative

TourismDalton-Whitfield Under $250,000

Overview

Construct a sports-oriented mixed-use development with retail, restaurants, bars, and sports fields that can be converted for soccer, lacrosse, football, cricket, and other sports. The complex would create opportunities for entrepreneurs, bring new visitors and residents to Dalton, and generate activity on non-game days. The proposal suggests using the current Dalton Fairgrounds for initial exploration and pairing the development with walking trails, lease space for national chains, and tournament/event programming.

Action plan

Short-term
Research leasing options from the Fairgrounds. Complete a feasibility study to determine the number of retail spaces, restaurants, and apartments that would be economic for the size of the Dalton market.
Medium-term
Find an architect and start written and design plans. Market and grow amateur sports teams in Dalton. Start a $2 million fundraising campaign with Dalton Parks & Recreation.
Long-term
Build walking trails from parks to the complex. Lease national chain restaurant/store space. Book state and national tournaments years out. Position Dalton for World Cup team practices in 2026.

Expected impact

Projected Jobs CreatedEconomic

Jobs associated with new businesses, sports facilities, restaurants, retail, and mixed-use development.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Housing CapacityInfrastructure

Housing or living space created as part of the mixed-use development.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Public SatisfactionCommunity

Community support, visitor experience, and perception of Dalton as a place to live, work, and play through sports and mixed-use activity.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Business PartnershipsEconomic

Number of business partnerships, tenants, restaurants, stores, or private-sector partners connected to the mixed-use development.

Timeframe: Long-term
Projected Awareness GrowthCommunity

Awareness of Dalton as a sports destination among local, state, and regional audiences through proper marketing.

Timeframe: Medium-term
Projected Operational ViabilityEconomic

Longevity of existing businesses and continued business activity generated by tournament visitors, residents, and new clientele.

Timeframe: Long-term

Key stakeholders

Dalton Parks & RecreationVisitors BureauDowntown Dalton Development AuthorityLocal IndustryPrivate Developer/InvestorBoard of CommissionersUnited States Soccer League ContactNational Chain Restaurants/Stores

Estimated budget

Approximately $2 million additional funding estimated for the sports fields; broader mixed-use development cost not fully specified in images.