Pinellas County is once again exploring development opportunities for the 235-acre “Toytown” landfill in north St. Petersburg, seeking a partner to turn the long-vacant site into a state-of-the-art youth sports complex.

Located at 10540 16th Street North, near Interstate 275 and Roosevelt Boulevard, Toytown operated as a landfill from the 1960s until its closure by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) in 1990. Despite multiple attempts over the past two decades, no development plans have successfully materialized.

Previous Development Attempts

Efforts to repurpose the property date back to 2002 when the county considered a golf course. In 2008, a request for proposals (RFP) resulted in plans for a massive mixed-use development featuring 1.5 million square feet of retail, another 1.5 million square feet of office space, and 1,500 homes, but the project collapsed in 2011.

A second RFP in 2015 drew three proposals: a solar panel complex, a town center, and a spring training facility for the Atlanta Braves, backed by former MLB star Gary Sheffield and developer Darryl LeClair. However, the town center proposal was disqualified due to a county lobbying ordinance, the solar complex required an unrealistic contract with Duke Energy, and Major League Baseball ultimately opposed the Braves’ relocation, shifting its focus to resolving the Tampa Bay Rays’ stadium situation.

A New Vision: Youth Sports Complex

In December 2023, the county issued another RFP, this time seeking a partner to develop Toytown into a premier youth sports complex capable of hosting local, regional, and national competitions. The idea stemmed from a report by Clearwater-based Sports Facilities Companies (SFC), presented to county commissioners and the Tourist Development Council in 2023, highlighting the economic and recreational benefits of such a facility.

The RFP closed on February 4, and following a 30-day hold, the county recently revealed that only one proposal was submitted—by SFC, the same firm behind the initial feasibility report.

Proposed Features

SFC’s vision for the site includes:

• 12 artificial turf baseball/softball diamonds
• 8 additional youth baseball/softball diamonds for ages 12 and under
• Five synthetic turf fields for soccer, lacrosse, field hockey, and football, including a championship field with elevated scoreboards, seating, and ticketed event capabilities
• 24 pickleball courts
• A sand pit with 12 sand volleyball courts

With 20 baseball/softball fields, Toytown could become one of the top destinations for the sport in the country. The site would also host festivals, fairs, and entertainment events.

To support the project, SFC has partnered with Kansas-based Mammoth Sports Construction, a sports management and development firm.

Additional Attractions and Economic Impact

SFC’s proposal includes the option to add a Mammoth Fieldhouse, an “eatertainment” venue featuring putting greens, simulators, and an interactive dining experience. The project would also incorporate surface parking and possibly a parking garage, with a total of 2,100 spaces needed.

The estimated cost of the development is between $150 million and $200 million, with a projected $350 million direct economic impact in its first five years.

What’s Next?

The county may now request detailed site designs, financial plans, and operational proposals from SFC before moving forward with negotiations. Additionally, interest from other organizations suggests potential for complementary developments, including multi-family housing, renewable energy projects, hotels, and restaurants.

After years of stalled efforts, Toytown’s transformation into a major sports hub may finally be within reach.

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