The Oakbrook Sports Complex was identified as a public project in the Oakbrook Redevelopment Plan. In its current state, the complex site, has poor drainage, uneven turf, and chalk outlines for fields.

Dorchester County and Summerville YMCA announced their partnership early 2024. With an investment of over $12 million from Dorchester County and a contribution of 17 acres from the YMCA, a new cutting-edge sports complex will be built at the current location of the Oakbrook YMCA.

This initiative signifies a milestone in the broader goal of the redevelopment of the Oakbrook area in Summerville. Leveraging a portion of Dorchester County's Tax Increment Financing (TIF), the project will support the long-range plan to revitalize this community by providing state-of-the-art amenities for residents and visitors. TIF is a tool that allows governments to use the incremental increase in assessed value and property taxes to fund infrastructure improvements in a designated blighted area without a tax increase. A portion of these funds totaling $10,350,000 has been allocated towards the sports complex project. Due to a cost project increase last year, the Legislative Delegation designated an additional $2 million towards the overall budget for a total project budget of $12,350,000.

Oakbrook Sports Complex

The new sports complex will include state-of-the-art turf sports fields and courts, multipurpose spaces, a concession building with restrooms, a playground, and access to the Sawmill Branch Trail System. Under the Summerville YMCA’s leadership, the sports complex will also offer year-round programs and activities designed to cater to the diverse interests and needs of our community.

The new master plan also reflects a future phase, which can hopefully be incorporated using a different source of funding. Design development drawings are proceeding based off the master plan layout. Dorchester County staff is in receipt of the plat for the YMCA property subdivision for land conveyance. Architectural drawings for the buildings on the site are underway, with participation from the YMCA.