Several major projects for the City of Owensboro are moving forward, including the completion of a fire training center, a downtown sports complex, and a fire station rebuild. Assistant City Manager Lelan Hancock discussed the progress of the projects and emphasized their long-term benefits for the community.
Fire Training Center nearing completion
The Owensboro Fire Training Center is expected to be completed by the end of February or early March. The burn tower is nearly finished, with crews working on interior elements such as drywall, painting, and electrical fixtures.
The upgraded facility will allow firefighters to train under more realistic conditions, including a modern burn room with heat and smoke exposure for advanced scenario-based training.
“The previous facility was extremely outdated, with a tower that was basically just an elevator shaft with stairwells,” Hancock said. “This new design allows for multiple training scenarios, from residential fires to industrial emergencies, providing a much safer and effective training environment.”
Sports complex moving forward
The downtown sports complex, a nearly 90,000-square-foot facility, is also making significant progress. Crews are currently working on the foundation, installing deep piles that will support the building’s structure.
The complex will feature seven courts capable of hosting basketball, volleyball, pickleball, archery, competitive cheerleading, and more. It will include a mezzanine viewing area and bleacher seating suitable for tournament play.
“This facility will be a major tourism draw,” Hancock said. “We already see success with our football and baseball and softball complexes, and this will allow us to host large-scale events like AAU and travel basketball while complementing the convention center’s offerings.”
Hancock said the complex will have a direct economic impact by bringing in visitors for events, leading to increased spending at local hotels, restaurants, and attractions such as the Green River Distillery and the Bluegrass Music Hall of Fame & Museum.
The project is expected to be completed by June 2026.
Fire station renovations underway
Renovations and reconstructions are also in progress for several fire stations across the city. Fire Station 3 recently broke ground, with the old station demolished and crews beginning foundation work.
The City is also planning to rebuild Fire Station 1 and Fire Station 4. Station 4 will be a near replica of Station 3, allowing the City to standardize modern features and layouts.
These upgrades are necessary due to both aging infrastructure and the need for modern co-ed facilities. Older stations used open dormitory layouts, while the new designs offer individual rooms to ensure privacy for both male and female firefighters.
“Many of our stations were built 50 to 60 years ago and simply can’t accommodate the needs of today’s fire department,” Hancock said. “The new stations will also have enhanced cancer prevention features, such as decontamination areas to keep harmful toxins away from living spaces.”
