Southport Recreation Complex grand opening brings six baseball fields to Bay County

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (WJHG/WECP) - Bay County leaders and families gathered Saturday to celebrate the grand opening of the Southport Recreation Complex, a new 37-acre facility located just off State Road 77.

The $13.9 million complex includes six baseball fields, batting cages, and walking trails. It also features technology that allows baseball games to be live-streamed for out-of-town families.

From three fields to six

Guy Tunnell, former county commissioner for District 4, said the opening marked a milestone for the area.

“Big tremendous event, it’s opening day for the Southport facilities complex and it’s just really an amazing day,” Tunnell said.

Bay County Commissioner Doug Moore for District 4 said the new complex more than doubles the field capacity previously available to youth sports organizations.

“Well our old park was only three fields and these organizations use that park. This is six fields now and a 37-acre complex so it will allow them to be able to spread out, be able to get things done more efficiently,” Moore said.

Tournaments and future growth

Moore said the complex will help the county host tournaments and grow youth sports in Bay County.

“Sports has always been a very huge part of the Southport area in Bay County in general so it’s just a wonderful opportunity to be able to provide this for them to be able to continue for the future generations and for the coaches and everybody just be able to use,” Moore said.

A baseball team identified as the Scoops said they were ready to take the field at the new facility.

“Very excited! To win!!” a team member said.

Families interested in getting their children involved in youth sports can contact the Bay County Parks and Recreation Department for information on partner associations and clubs. Contact information is available at Parks & Recreation | Bay County, FL

To stay up to date on all the latest news as it develops, follow WJHG on Facebook, Instagram and X (Twitter).

Have a news tip or see an error that needs correction? Email news@wjhg.com. Please include the article’s headline in your message.

Keep up with all the biggest headlines on the WJHG News app, and check out what’s happening outside using the WJHG Weather app.