Construction of a 208,500-square-foot indoor recreational facility in Johnston is expected to be completed by May 2023. The Johnston City Council will vote on the site plan for the project Feb. 22. Architectural rendering by Simonson & Associates

Plans to develop a 30-acre recreational complex in Johnston moved a step closer to the construction phase this week.

The Johnston Planning and Zoning Commission approved the site plan for Ignit Johnston Sports and Fitness, planned at 5346 Merle Hay Road.

Ignit, in a partnership with the city of Johnston, plans to build a 208,500-square-foot recreation facility that will house an indoor track, field house, classrooms, meeting space, and multipurpose courts. Also planned are outdoor athletic fields.

The project was announced in June 2020.

Warehouses had been located on the site. Ignit bought the 12-acre parcel in August 2020, razed the buildings and cleaned the site. In addition, the city of Johnston purchased 11 acres east of Beaver Creek from the city of Urbandale and annexed the parcel into Johnston. The city of Johnston also purchased 5 acres at 5288 Merle Hay Road that are contiguous to the Ignit property and will be used for park land and parking, according to information provided to the commission.

The city has issued a grading permit, and “many tons of fill are currently being delivered to raise” portions of the site, according to information provided the commission.

The Johnston City Council is expected to discuss the site plan at its Feb. 22 meeting.

The project is expected to be completed in May 2023.