OCALA, Fla. — A proposed 236-acre sports complex might be coming to Marion County, but plans are raising concerns among people in the community.

What You Need To Know Golden Ocala looking to amend 250 acres of its land use for a sports and entertainment complex

The proposed site will be off State Road 40

The county will consider the proposal at a Planning and Zoning meeting on June 30

Golden Ocala with the World Equestrian Center is looking to amend 250 acres of its land use to develop a sports and entertainment complex off State Road 40.

It would have 17 multipurpose fields, 24 courts, an arena for concerts and games, a hotel, restaurants and other multipurpose buildings. But before the project can get started, Golden Ocala is proposing to make changes to its land-use designation.

Marion United Council for Horses organization leader Brian Donnelly said he is concerned about the amount of development in the area, and worries what the project would mean for the future of land preservation and the increase in traffic.

“I’m hoping that this proposal will not go through in its current place as its proposed,” Donnelly said. “They have more than enough land to use without disturbing peoples livelihood.”

However, county officials say the project fits within the comprehensive plan.

“As a staff, we are recommending approval, because we do feel like it aligns with the future land use and development in that area,” Marion County director of Growth Services Chuck Varadin said. “It’s within the urban growth boundary.”

County commissioners will ultimately have final say. And if staff approves the plan, it will head to the state for review.

Since the project is still in the preliminary stages, the county will hold five public hearings on the proposed development and the comprehensive plan over the span of the next few months. The Planning and Zoning Commission meeting will be on June 30.