125 new parking spaces at Indian Trails aim to ease traffic woes – Daytona Beach News-Journal

One of the most popular sports hubs in Palm Coast, the Indian Trails Sports Complex, has struggled with traffic congestion and lack of parking.
But the latest upgrades at the site aim to fix the problem.
A new 125-parking lot opened June 29 at the complex — an approximately $1.5-million effort that began in February.
“In addition to the new flow of traffic that was initiated at the facility last year, these new spaces will also help provide a safer experience for all of our guests,” said Joe Higgs, the city’s recreation supervisor, in a June 28 video announcing the project’s completion.
The City Council unanimously approved the project’s budget on Jan. 6.
The 125 new parking spaces at Indian Trails are adjacent to the baseball fields, located on the south side of the facility.
The baseball fields often host large crowds during youth games, which has exacerbated the parking problem as the community itself has grown over the past few years.
Kevin Nelson, special projects team supervisor for the Public Works Department, said the expansion aims to “meet the demand” of the growing community “and those that attend major events here throughout the year.”
“From local competition to regional events, (Indian Trails) has become a hub for soccer, baseball, softball, lacrosse and more,” Higgs added.
According to officials, “the project will also improve accommodation for large community gatherings, including local church events, and provide a potential staging area for emergency response operations when needed.”
Although the local nonprofit organization Palm Coast Little League already operates several events and leagues at the Indian Trails Sports Complex, the facility is hosting a new league this year.
This summer, Baseball Field 2 will be the home of the Palm Coast Big Buoys as they compete against other collegiate teams from New Smyrna Beach, Cocoa Beach and St. Augustine.
The teams comprise the newly formed Orange State League — a “collegiate wood bat baseball league making its debut in the sunny state of Florida,” according to its website.
The first of several games scheduled at the site took place June 17, with a 17-5 victory for the Palm Coast home team.
The Public Works Department was responsible for the project, which helped the city save on additional costs.
Cost savings amounted to nearly $1 million, according to the city, and now the City Council is in the process of deciding how and where to allocate the surplus.
Funding for the project was provided through the “FY 2026 Recreation Impact Fee Fund, which is dedicated to supporting infrastructure improvements that directly serve recreational growth and facility demand,” according to the city.
The Indian Trails Sports Complex is located at 5455 Belle Terre Parkway.
— Brenno Carillo is a local government reporter covering Flagler County, including Palm Coast and Flagler Beach, for The Daytona Beach News-Journal.

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