The Economic Development Advisory Board on Tuesday heard from a consultant about the potential for athletic facility development as a means of jump-starting the local commercial economy.

Kelly Grill, the executive director of the Hopkinton Center for the Arts, introduced guest speaker Steve Ryan of KemperSports. She noted that the creation of a “larger sports facility” in Hopkinton could “provide great synergy” with the development of the International Marathon Center and highlight the town’s history as the starting point for the Boston Marathon.

Ryan, a Boston native, spoke about his company, which has been in business for nearly half a century. Based in Northbrook, Illinois, KemperSports started out by running golf courses. It moved into hospitality and sports and recreation venue consulting and management at facilities across the country. The company also has run sports and recreation events and tournaments at its arenas and golf resorts.

His role is as a consultant in the company’s venues division. This division provides consultation on youth and amateur recreation complexes, from feasibility studies and designs to construction and management. It has developed aquatics complexes, indoor sports facilities, ice rinks and athletics fields.

“So we really want to work collaboratively with our clients on [their] goals and visions,” Ryan stressed.

The company focuses on three key aspects: facility investment, management and consultation.

Grill said this initial introduction to EDAB was a means to “open up our brains to possibilities and what might make sense, given what we know is coming down the road.”

Athletic facilities seen as key economic driver

Grill spoke about how the development and expansion of the New England Sports Center in Marlborough became “a tremendous boon” for that community. She envisioned an indoor youth track and field complex for Hopkinton, given its historic Boston Marathon role. This facility could provide training opportunities for athletes throughout MetroWest.

EDAB vice chair Robert Hummel, who chaired the meeting in the absence of chair Jordan Thayer, noted that track and field teams from the region have to travel to Boston to use the Reggie Lewis Track and Athletic Center for meets.

Julia Chun, the town’s sustainability, economic development and equity project manager, told the group that there are several empty buildings that are industrially zoned that could be repurposed, particularly on South Street. But they may need some “tender loving care.”

“These are large flex spaces that have the opportunity to be subdivided,” she said. “Hopkinton is such a running and sports-oriented town. It’s also very family oriented. Sports can be such a driver for economic development and for tourism.”

“Youth sports is now the fastest-growing economic indicator for most municipalities,” Ryan agreed. They not only draw people who want to live in communities that support them but also draw visitors who shop and dine locally.

As an example, Ryan highlighted Justin, Texas, a town of about 8,000 residents. The town is focusing on developing a regional sports complex because its population is expected to explode to 35,000 within the next five years.

Chun noted that businesses are drawn to communities with athletic facilities that will serve residents and their employees.

Ryan spoke of investors who would engage in public-private partnerships. In some cases, they have worked with a community’s Parks and Recreation Department to augment the diversity of program offerings. KemperSports also has connected communities with investors for facility development and management.

While he has not visited Hopkinton yet, Ryan said potential options could be explored for feasibility studies or consultations for indoor venues. It would be “super intriguing” to think about developing a track and field facility that also could house soccer, basketball or other indoor sports, he said.

Hopkinton is within easy reach of several major cities, which Ryan said is a huge plus.

“Turf is king in the Northeast,” he said, noting the sometimes harsh New England weather would draw athletes to an indoor training complex.

He gave the example of a KemperSports facility in Trumbull, Connecticut, that generates “almost $3 million from Dec. 1 through April 1.”

“Youth sports is the next wave,” added Ryan.

Members give feedback

Member Wilson St. Pierre asked about the type of buildings that Ryan’s team has successfully converted. Ryan said KemperSports has developed several types of buildings over the years.

Some sites can be constrained by lack of parking opportunities or layout, he noted. But most can be remodeled to fit a community’s needs. This is where feasibility studies come into play.

Grill asked about the existence of a database for sports that are looking for locations for facilities to train or host tournaments. Ryan said he could provide connections.

Ryan added that female sports of all types have exploded across the country. The trend he observed is that young women tend to travel with families. This leads to an influx of people to area restaurants and hotels.

The group appeared optimistic about a continuing connection with Ryan. Chun said she would remain in contact with him as the town’s representative and facilitate conversations.

“I have always been interested in the possibility of having sort of a public-private partnership,” said member Finley Perry.

Economic development presentation previewed

Chun said she will appear before the Select Board on Sept. 15 to present an update on the Hopkinton Economic Development Plan. She encouraged EDAB members to attend the meeting and provide feedback.

She gave an overview of the plan’s six aspects. They include business recruitment and retention, support for existing businesses, attracting large businesses to fill commercial vacancies, coordinating economic development, investing in the emerging tourism industry and improving transportation options.

Chun stressed that the plan was partially funded by a state earmark and a grant from the Metropolitan Area Planning Council. She has worked with MAPC over the past year collecting community input data.

The top needs stressed by survey participants are restaurants, greater walkability to destinations, access to groceries in the eastern part of Hopkinton and fitness facilities. Chun said this ties into much of what Ryan discussed.

An analysis of existing conditions will be conducted. It will include a transportation analysis, an assessment of current businesses and a look at the type of businesses Hopkinton should focus on attracting. This strategy will lead to the creation of an action plan.

This document will assist the town when an economic development manager is hired, Chun added.

“It’s innovative and kind of pushes us in ways that I think is really useful,” Perry said of the plan.