Two New Family Attractions to Open

The Smith River Sports Complex and the Martinsville-Henry County Economic Development Corporation (EDC) are pleased to announce that two new attractions will open this year at the Complex for residents and visitors to enjoy.

A golf driving range will open in late spring and a water slide will open in early summer. Both attractions are part of a long-range plan to enhance the sustainability of the Smith River Sports Complex. Stakeholders involved spent 18 months researching potential additions before deciding on these two elements. The two attractions will provide the Complex an opportunity for recreational revenue while also serving as extra amenities for guests.

The project is supported by the EDC, whose board approved $150,000 in funding. Additional partners include the City of Martinsville, Henry County, the Henry County Public Service Authority, and Lester Building Supply who leveraged the funding with in-kind support and services.

The self-serve driving range will be open from dawn to dusk year-round. It will be 26,400 square feet and feature 10 covered tee boxes with mats for rain or shine use and 10 uncovered tee boxes with grass.   Golf balls will be dispensed out of an on-site vending machine. The driving range will be located adjacent to the Smith River Sports Complex’s maintenance facility.

The water slide will be a seasonal attraction. The 129-foot-long inflatable slide will allow participants to climb 30 feet up a ladder and splash down into a 35-foot landing pool. Water in the landing pool will be less than 6 inches deep, making this family-friendly attraction a fun way to enjoy water for all skill levels, even those that do not swim. In cooler months the slide can also be used without water.

The water slide will be located adjacent to the Eastman Party Pavilion and Evos playground at the complex. Guests can purchase single-ride and multiple-ride tickets, or day passes. Group packages for birthday parties will also be offered. 

According to Chris Beeler, Chairman of the Board, “the EDC is committed to growing Martinsville-Henry County’s Tourism industry as an economic engine for our region. In particular, Sports Tourism is a real driver of our local economy and the EDC’s Board is pleased to be a part of the expanding amenities at the Smith River Sports Complex.”

Billy Russo the Director of Operations for the Smith River Sports Complex said, “Whether it’s someone hitting a bucket of balls on the driving range waiting for their child to get done with soccer practice or a group of visiting lacrosse players sliding on our slide in between games, theses attractions will be welcome additions to our facility that will serve all of our visitors and attract new ones.  We are very thankful to the EDC, Henry County, and the City of Martinsville for their partnership in this project and the Harvest Foundation’s ongoing support of our organization’s mission.”

For additional details about the driving range and the water slide, visit SmithRiverSportsComplex.com/driving-range or SmithRiverSportsComplex.com/water-slide.