KTRV Fox 12 Eagle Development
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Eagle -- Some of the worlds greatest athletes are lending their names and efforts to develop the first sports academy community in the United States...and it's happening right here in Eagle.
"The concept here was lets take some of that instruction and those facilities and that training support and lets put it in the middle of a residential community," said development partner Todd Santiago.
Eagle Idaho will be the very first US location to boast a Legacy Signature Academies Community...or in layman's terms a living space centered around sports and outdoor activities. The concept started building steam when legendary golfer Jack Nicklaus wanted to bring his golf school to Idaho.
"And so the concept started to evolve where for the first time a Nicklaus golf academy will be right in the middle of someone's backyard basically and when that concept started to evolve we said you know what we've got to have some additional sports," said Santiago.
Along with the 3 hole golf course the 625 acres located just west of Linder Road will boast a resort sized pool, tennis courts, a fitness center, a driving range, and soccer fields. Sports stars Jack Nicklaus, Brandi Chastain, Julie Foudy, Mark Spitz, Jim Courier, and Mia Hamm have all gotten involved in developing sports programs to be taught by the communities coaches.
"When Legacy came an talked to us about their concept it was a no-brainer for us because these are obviously things that are very important in our lives, bringing families together, being inclusive not exclusive, getting kids out to be active and doing it in an unbelievable and safe environment," said soccer great Mia Hamm.
The housing is relatively affordable as well...the homes start around $250,000 to around $450,000 with monthly dues ranging from $90 to $245... a fraction of the cost of belonging to a country club.
"I mean I grew up in a modest family with modest means so I know about the struggles that the majority of these families go through everyday, I mean and that's important to me to be able to give them an opportunity to have access to facilities like this," said Hamm.
Hamm and Brandi Chastain will be hosting a free soccer event for all ages and abilities tomorrow afternoon from 2:30 - 5:00 at the Legacy location in Eagle. So if you want a chance to learn from the pro's, tomorrow's your chance.
