Osceola County is moving forward with an ambitious plan to revitalize Osceola Heritage Park by introducing a major mixed-use development to its 210-acre site. Details unveiled on Monday by County Manager Don Fisher to County Commissioners highlighted the project's economic impact—an impact that will leverage a strategic partnership with the Wilf family, the same group that owns several major sports entities, including the Orlando City Soccer Club and the Minnesota Vikings.
The multifaceted development, detailed on Osceola County's official website, will not only expand Orlando City SC's existing training facilities but also introduce a new team headquarters space. The plan features a blend of residential spaces, hotels, restaurants, retail shops, and much-needed parking garages that will be built in phases. Aspects of the Osceola County Stadium will be reimagined to support soccer events, enhancing its current functions.
Commission Chair Viviana Janer noted the initiative's broader significance in her comments, per the county's press release, stating, "This project represents a significant opportunity for targeted economic development." This development paves the way for economic growth and aims to enrich the local community structure.
Local events such as the Silver Spurs Rodeo, Osceola County Fair, and Kissimmee Valley Livestock Show will continue to be housed in the existing Silver Spurs Arena and other facilities at OHP. The proposal for the new development suggests a more efficient use of the Osceola Heritage Park property, which will align with the area's existing purposes while adding new value. Additionally, the proximity of the planned project to the growing NeoCity technology district indicates a strategic move to diversify Osceola County's economic base.
A preliminary fiscal impact analysis estimates that the project will create approximately 855 permanent jobs. The County, alongside K&K Sports, will promptly start negotiations on deal points to bring a possible agreement back to the County Commission for final approval on an undetermined future date.
