The city of Round Rock is moving forward with multipurpose fields intended to bring more sports tournaments to the city.


The city approved a not-to-exceed amount of $22,999,000 with Joeris General Contractors for the construction of a 60-acre multipurpose field complex in Old Settlers Park Dec. 3. Construction is estimated to start in January and finish spring 2017, according to Rick Atkins, Round Rock Parks and Recreation Director.




The city of Round Rock will build a facility with 10 multipurpose fields to attract various sports tournaments. The city of Round Rock will build a facility with 10 multipurpose fields to attract various sports tournaments.[/caption]

The project will include eight regular multipurpose fields, four with synthetic turf and four with natural grass. Two championship fields, one natural grass and one turf, will feature shaded seating for about 250 spectators per field. More seating can be brought in through portable bleachers. Atkins said the turf used for the synthetic fields is of the same caliber use in professional Major League Soccer and National Football League stadiums.


"The thought process behind the multipurpose fields is we want  fields that we can change and adapt to any situation, whether it's lacrosse, soccer, rugby or [ultimate frisbee]," Atkins said. "We want to be able to address it and have those [sports] play in our park. That means changing the field from soccer to lacrosse in a weekend."


The complex will also include a clubhouse overlooking the championship fields that will feature concessions, meeting rooms, a press box and balconies overlooking the fields. Two plaza areas feature playgrounds and an area to accommodate food trucks and trailers.


"This will be a game changer project for us, and will help to continue to enhance Old Settlers Park," Mayor Alan McGraw said.


Atkins said much of the funding for the multipurpose fields comes from 2014 voter-approved bonds, as well as Hotel Occupancy Fund taxes. City Manager Laurie Hadley said at a Dec. 1 City Council workshop meeting that the scope of the fields has increased since the bond passed with the goal of attracting more sports tournaments to the city and supporting the Sports Capital of Texas branding.



Watch a video flyover of the multipurpose fields complex


[video width="1280" height="720" mp4="http://communityimpact.com/wp-content/uploads/2015/12/Round-Rock-2015-Final_xvid3.mp4"][/video]