Ground-breaking for the first phase of Charlie and Tonja Ward’s Champions Ranch in south Tallahassee took place on Monday, Dec. 1. The Ranch is a one stop shop for athletics, education, wellness, performing arts and life skills, and the goal is to cultivate lifelong champions.
The Marching 100 from Florida A&M University – where Charlie Ward is now the head basketball coach – got the ceremony off to a festive start.
Also, in attendance were elected officials, which included Florida Rep. Allison Tant, Tallahassee Mayor John Dailey and Leon County Commissioners Christian Caban and Carolyn Cummings.
Ward’s wife Tonja welcomed the crowd, which numbered in the hundreds.
“We are excited about breaking ground on the first multi-sport field for the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch and the Champions Cafe, powered by Centennial Bank…”
Charlie Ward said it’s not only the large corporate donors, but the many small contributions that have so far helped raised more than $9 million for the ranch.
“And to our small group friends and mentors and the people who believed in this dream at every stage, you laid the foundation for today.”
Ward stated that the immediate goal is to reach $11 million by the end of the year which will allow for the phase1 construction to begin. Phase 1 includes the 93,000 square-foot multi-sport field and Champions Cafe.
“Probably this time next year, we should be cutting a ribbon and having kids come out to play,” Ward said.
“Once complete, the state-of-the art sport and recreational complex with components including recreation fields and courts, gymnasiums, golf activities, meetings/conference rooms, event space, cafes, training facilities, a retreat center and lodging. The facility will also include passive recreation such as parks and walking trails and open space. The plan is for the project to be fully built out in 10 to 15 years, with phases 1 and 2 completed within the next five years.
Charlie and Tonya Ward Host Groundbreaking for the Champions Ranch added by Staff on
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