BARNESVILLE, Montserrado County – House Speaker Richard Nagbe Koon has disclosed that President Joseph Nyuma Boakai will be invited to officially dedicate the Barnesville Sports Complex upon completion of an ambitious renovation project aimed at transforming the facility into one of Liberia’s premier sporting venues.
Speaker Koon made the disclosure on Sunday, May 31, during a visit by President Boakai to the construction site in Electoral District #11, where extensive work is underway to convert the long-standing Barnesville football field into a modern sports facility.
According to Koon, the project is expected to be completed before the end of the year, at which time the President will be invited to perform the official dedication.
“My goal is that before the end of this year, the President will be here to cut the ribbon,” Koon said as he briefed journalists following the President’s visit.
The Speaker said the project forms part of a broader effort to expand sports infrastructure in District #11 and create opportunities for young people through athletics.
During the visit, Koon provided President Boakai with an update on the progress of the renovation works, which include preparations for the installation of an artificial turf. He disclosed that the turf has already been brought into the country and that technical support is being provided through collaboration with the Liberia Football Association (LFA).
According to him, the LFA has assigned a certified technician to assist with the installation and ensure that the facility meets accepted standards.
The Speaker emphasized that the project is being financed primarily through his legislative and constituency resources, supplemented by other support, as lawmakers’ annual development allocations are often insufficient to undertake major infrastructure projects.
Koon said the renovated facility will not only benefit football enthusiasts in Barnesville but will also serve surrounding communities and educational institutions in the district.
“We think that what we are doing in our district will help elevate sports and create opportunities for our young people,” he said.
The Speaker noted that Barnesville has long been recognized as one of Liberia’s most productive football communities, producing numerous talented players over the years.
“Barnesville is a sporting arena. Most of the footballers you see in Liberia come from Barnesville. That is why I decided to make this one of the best facilities in the country,” he stated.
Beyond sports development, Koon also highlighted ongoing infrastructure improvements throughout the district, including road rehabilitation projects. Responding to concerns raised by residents during the President’s visit, he said key roads in the area have already been identified by the Ministry of Public Works for improvement and expressed hope that implementation would be accelerated following the President’s attention to the matter.
The Speaker attributed his strong relationship with residents to his accessibility and regular engagement with constituents.
“These are the same people who elected us, so we must remain accessible and continue to engage them,” he said.
The Barnesville Sports Complex project comes as part of Speaker Koon’s broader campaign to promote athletics and youth development across Montserrado County. Recently, he announced plans to support the revitalization of sports programs at the University of Liberia and strengthen institutional athletics as a means of empowering young Liberians and nurturing future talent.
Observers say the modernization of the Barnesville facility could significantly enhance sporting opportunities in the community while providing an additional venue for football development and other athletic activities.
President Boakai’s brief stop at the site drew enthusiastic reactions from residents, many of whom welcomed both the ongoing sports project and discussions about infrastructure improvements within the district.
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