Celebrated Heisman Trophy winner Charlie Ward this week got a preliminary greenlight on his latest venture in the capital: An athletic arena to develop future generations of champions.
Now it’s up to the Tallahassee City Commission to make Ward’s dream a reality.
On Tuesday, the Tallahassee-Leon County Planning Commission unanimously approved a rezoning proposal that will allow for what’s called a “planned unit development,” in this case, the Charlie Ward Champions Ranch project. That must be presented to the commission for final approval in August before construction can begin.
The $26.9 million multipurpose facility, to be just off Capital Circle Southeast near Woodville Highway, would offer families a unique blend of sports and wellness in a “barnyard”-type setting, and operate as a community center, retreat and event venue.
Ward – a Thomasville, Georgia, native – made history in 1993 as the first Florida State University football player to win a Heisman Trophy.
Soon after, he was drafted to the NBA to play for the New York Knicks. Now the sports legend is head coach of the Florida State University School’s boys’ basketball team, and he is a board member at Tallahassee State College.
Ward and wife Tonja have supported youth programs through the Charlie and Tonja Ward Family Foundation, their namesake nonprofit rooted in Christian values and committed to youth development through sports and the arts.
Now they’re hoping to support youth in their own facility.
“Our vision now is to create a hub, where youth sports thrive, where community events bring us closer, and where people of all ages gather for a healthier, more connected life,” Ward said, standing with Tonja during a Blueprint meeting in November.
The pair presented a three-minute pitch to ask for zoning approval and $4 million to help pay for construction.
The proposal from the Wards is likely to be reviewed again by the Blueprint panel.
City Commissioner Dianne Wiliams-Cox moved to direct staff to review the Non- Competitive Economic Development Project Proposal from the Ward Foundation. The motion was seconded by City Commissioner Curtis Richardson, and passed unanimously in an 11-0 vote, according to meeting minutes.
Mayor John Dailey was not in the room at the time of the vote, but stated later he supported the motion.
The farm-like fitness facility would occupy over 109 acres to support disconnected and underserved youth through sports, educational programs and summer camps and address a lack in community gathering spaces.
The foundation plans to partner with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Florida A&M and Florida State universities, and Tallahassee State College.
The first phase of the project will cost about $9.7 million for the construction of indoor and outdoor arenas, a multipurpose event barn, a cafe, a nature trail, a counseling center and a batting cage.
The second phase will cost $17.2 million for sand volleyball courts, lodges, a golf facility, and a sports barn with indoor courts.
In November, Ward said he was hoping for a Spring 2025 grand opening. The Ward Family Foundation declined to comment on the project ahead of the city commission meeting.
There were no comments from the public at Tuesday’s meeting. There are only seven residences currently within 1,000 feet of the property.
Alaijah Brown covers children & families for the Tallahassee Democrat. She can be reached at[email protected]. Follow her on Twitter/X: @AlaijahBrown3
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