LOUISVILLE, Ky. (WAVE) – On Wednesday, Norton Healthcare Sports and Learning Center announced the development of new athletic fields.

The expansion will bring new athletic fields to the corner of 30th Street and Muhammad Ali Boulevard, creating safe, dedicated space for athletic activities.

“Access to athletic fields like these are essential for kids, both physically and mentally. Athletic fields encourage physical activity which helps to prevent chronic conditions, like diabetes and heart disease,” said Russell F. Cox, president and chief executive officer, Norton Healthcare. “As the region’s largest health care provider, we are committed to the health and wellness of West Louisville and the entire community. We know safe recreational spaces are good for kids and good for families. We are honored to support this initiative and hope others will join us in supporting kids’ health.”

The new fields will be built on empty space adjacent to the Norton Healthcare Sports & Learning Center and will include four youth-sized or two adult-sized fields.

Construction can begin once the match is raised. The goal is to have the fields open before summer 2026.

Officials said that throughout the years, kids soccer teams and flag football teams began using the inside portion of the outdoor track field for play.

However, they said kids often tore up the field, and it’s also a safety hazard as the track field isn’t as cushioned as a soccer field for sliding around or falling.

West Louisville Soccer is one of those organizations that used the field. They group is made up of 30 schools, 500 kids and six competitive teams. They’ve had to move while they wait for the fields to be built.

At Wednesday’s announcement, Judge Brian Edwards, a Jefferson County Circuit Court judge and one of the founders of West Louisville Soccer spoke about how the expansion is more than just fields.

“Playing organized sports is something that really enhances a kids opportunity to succeed in life it gives them lessons of discipline, accountability,” Judge Edwards said. “It teaches them how to be mindful of their own physical personal health. All of these things are gonna make it much more likely that that young person graduates from high school, that they get a job, that they’re able to keep that job, and that they’re able to keep from having to appear before someone like myself asking for a second chance.”

In total, the projected is estimated to cost $3.5 million. On Wednesday, Norton Healthcare announced they’d be pledging $1 million in matching contributions towards the development of the fields. That means the center needs to raise $1 million themselves in order to get that.

Also, on Wednesday, Mayor Craig Greenberg announced he would be budgeting $500,000 for the fields in next years budget. That approval will come down to Metro Council.

Construction for the project will begin once the match is raised.

If you’re interested in learning more about the center, you can click or tap here. To make a donation, click or tap here.