Work has begun on a new regional park in Clay County.

Set for 250 acres just west of Penney Farms near Florida 16 and 21 intersection, the regional sports complex will be the first of its kind in Clay County, with eight multipurpose fields.

Groundbreaking took place Tuesday just east of the Belmore State Forest.

“This park will be an asset in bringing our county’s families outdoors and our young people onto the field,” public information officer Jessica Barreto said. “It will also be a tourism draw, marketable to regional tournaments.”

That first phase, estimated to cost $7.2 million, will include ponds, sidewalks, walking trails, shaded areas, restrooms and a parking lot. Construction funding includes $3 million in legislative matching monies, county officials said.

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Completion of Phase 1 is expected in November and could be open for use in early 2024, Barreto said.

The park map shows future phases that include eight baseball fields, a recreational lake and preserved wetlands, as well as a larger parking area and more tennis courts. The additional phases are still under design, with more information on them in the future, county officials said.