The $2.3 million in renovations to Camp Jordan are mostly complete, aside from small aesthetic details such as repainting.
"Our park was pretty dated and had not received renovations in many, many years," said East Ridge Parks and Recreation Director Adam Wilson.
Many buildings were so old that they had to be demolished and completely rebuilt, he said.
Renovation work began in mid-January on the park's existing concession and restroom facilities, followed by the construction of a new concession building near the softball and baseball fields. Additionally, new restrooms were added near the soccer fields.
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"We're trying to give our visitors a better experience with nice, clean restrooms and a concession stand that's inviting," said Wilson.
That helps the park attract more tournaments - and the economic benefits they bring to the city - because tournament organizers want new, modern facilities, he explained.
With the park's location less than a mile off the interstate, along with nearby new businesses such as a Hampton Inn and a Chick-fil-A, the sports complex's aging facilities were the only factor holding Camp Jordan back from being the top venue for area tournaments, conventions and other events, Wilson said.
Thirteen softball and baseball infields were included in the renovations, along with new fencing, bleachers, shade structures and signage within the park's athletic complex. The park's 3,500-square-foot arena received a new lobby and concession area.
(Read more: Make Camp Jordan in East Ridge a sports tourism center, developer says)
Wilson said only a handful of tournaments were held at the park last year, but the renovations have already spurred an increase in interest. The park is now booked every weekend of the 2020 spring and summer season, he said.
Camp Jordan, which draws more than 100,000 visitors annually, has a sales impact of more than $3 million and an income impact of more than $1.6 million, according to a release.
"With the renovations, we expect the economic impact will be much greater," said Wilson.
Email Emily Crisman at ecrisman@timesfreepress.com