Alto Park Demonstrates Significant Economic Impact on Rome and Floyd County Following Turf Improvements
Since the completion of major improvements at Alto Park, including the installation of Shaw TruHop artificial turf, the facility has continued to prove that investments in quality recreational infrastructure create benefits that extend far beyond the ballfields.
From October 1, 2025, through October 1, 2026, Alto Park has welcomed youth baseball and softball teams, adult softball teams, families, coaches and spectators from Rome, Floyd County and communities throughout the region for a full calendar of league play and weekend tournaments. The activity generated by those events has provided a significant economic boost to the local community, with visitors spending money at restaurants, gas, retail, groceries and other local businesses while attending games and tournaments.
There were 103 weekend tournaments held at Alto Park during the 12-month period, including 37 youth baseball tournaments, 22 youth softball tournaments and 13 adult softball tournaments. Those tournaments brought an estimated 1,355 teams.
The impact of Alto Park extends beyond weekend tournaments. Throughout the year, the complex serves as a hub for Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation's recreational sports programs, providing fields for adult softball, youth baseball, youth softball and T-ball league play.
Along with the weekend tournaments during the 12-month period, Alto Park hosted approximately:
99 adult softball league nights
186 youth baseball league nights
106 youth softball league nights
39 T-ball league nights
903 league games
That consistent activity represents a year-round stream of visitors to the area rather than the economic impact being limited to a handful of large tournaments. Data from Placer AI and the Rome Tourism Office estimates a total of 92,600 unique visitors returning 3.51 times for a total of 325,000 visits from October 1, 2025 to October 1, 2026.
The economic activity associated with visitors for tournaments and league nights for the 12-month period is estimated at $1,643,851.
“These numbers demonstrate something we have seen firsthand since the improvements were completed — Alto Park is much more than a place to play ball,” said Todd Wofford, Director of Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation. “It is an economic asset for Rome and Floyd County. When teams travel here for a weekend tournament, they are not just spending time at the park. They are staying in our hotels, eating at our restaurants, filling up their vehicles and visiting businesses throughout our community.”
The artificial turf project was made possible through voter-approved Special Purpose Local Option Sales Tax (SPLOST) funding. Floyd County approved a contract of approximately $1.12 million for the installation of synthetic turf at Alto Park. The investment has helped create a more reliable playing environment while strengthening Alto Park's ability to host tournaments and league play.
The investment in Alto Park is an example of how SPLOST dollars can create long-term community benefits. The initial investment provides improved facilities for local children and adults who participate in recreation programs, while also helping Rome and Floyd County compete for tournaments that attract visitors from outside the area.
“We are incredibly thankful to the voters of Floyd County for supporting SPLOST and making these improvements possible,” said Wofford. “Every time a child steps onto these fields, a family comes to watch a game, or a tournament team travels to Rome, we see that investment paying dividends. These improvements are giving back to our community in so many ways.”
Alto Park's continued growth also supports Rome and Floyd County's broader reputation as a destination for sports tourism. The facility's eight baseball/softball fields, batting cages and supporting amenities make it a centralized sports destination for the community and traveling teams.
As Rome-Floyd Parks and Recreation looks toward the future, the success of Alto Park demonstrates the potential of strategic investments in parks and recreational facilities to improve quality of life, support youth sports and generate measurable economic activity.
