By Josh Bergeron

josh.bergeron@salisburypost.com

SALISBURY — A firm hired by Rowan County is hoping to gather community input for a sports complex feasibility study.

Victus Advisors, based in Utah, has posted an online survey that asks a number of questions about amateur sports in Rowan County. It takes an estimated 10 to 15 minutes to complete and will be factored into the final results of Rowan County’s study.

The survey is available at: research.net/r/RowanCountySportsComplex .

Initial questions included in the survey ask respondents about the age, gender, ethnicity, income, number and whether he or she has participated in amateur sports previously. Other questions ask about the type of amateur sport the person has played, the quality of facilities used for sports and about facilities the person has traveled to outside of Rowan County.

The survey conducted by Victus Advisors is separate from community meetings held last week and this week to gather input on a parks master plan. Both firms will incorporate community input into other research.

County Manager Aaron Church said the cost of both studies — the sports complex and parks master plan — is about $100,000. The cost of both studies, Church said, is small compared to the potential returns Rowan could see as a result. Both studies will be important when Rowan County is applying for grants to improve local parks.

Without a master plan for parks or a sports complex, Church said it’s unlikely Rowan County would receive grant funds.

Both studies, he said, should be complete by September or October.

Contact reporter Josh Bergeron at 704-797-4246.