A sports complex in Springfield Township is finally out of the blocks and running.

Township supervisors approved the land development plan Monday morning.

Despite having to shell out about $2 million more than expected, Born-2-Run developer Tom Linton of Hermitage said he doesn't have any regrets. His initial projected cost of the complex was $4.5 million to $5 million but now estimates are closer to $6.5 million, he said.

"Oh, it'll definitely be worth it. We have a lot of interest in this project -- major players in the athletic world," Linton said.

He owns Michelle Properties LLC, which is developing 32 acres along state Route 208 to house the complex. It will include an indoor soccer field, a deck hockey rink, six indoor volleyball courts, a cafeteria and a multi-media sports theater.

Linton said Born-2-Run will host a Nike Coach's Clinic in the spring, which will bring in some of the top college coaches in the nation. "Coca-Cola is also very interested in our project and we've been contacted by a number of national athletic agents," he added.

The development plan was approved despite the lack of permits from the Department of Environmental Protection and PennDOT. But according to township administrator Barb Brown and Linton, the project has verbal approval and it's just a formality.

Extra expenses included:

   » Widening about 1,800 feet of Route 208.

   » Including a turning lane into the property.

   » Creating a buffered setback that includes three rows of trees and a fence on two sides of the property.

   » Updating the township's sewage lift station.

"If I knew what I know now, I would have done it sooner," Linton said. "It's going to be a challenge to get it done for the spring."

The target opening date is April 15, although the weather is a factor.

"Rain on Friday, that one day of rain, could set our project back by two weeks," Linton said.

After the unanimous vote, Supervisor Chairman Randall Magee said, "All I hope is that it's as successful as he feels it is."

On the Net: www.born2runsports.com