West Lake Hills project beginning to raise funds

Western Hills Little League is at the front end of a fundraising effort that would bring a 50-acre sports complex to West Lake Hills. The project, which involves land off River Hills Road, includes eight baseball fields, four tennis courts, an indoor area for basketball and volleyball, a swimming pool, and four multiuse fields that can be used for soccer, football or lacrosse. The area will also have playscape amenities such as playgrounds for anyone to use.

When the sports fields are not being used by youth sports organizations, they will be available to rent.

The facility has been in the works for more than two years, and because of concerns such as lights, traffic and noise from area residents, the plans have been modified.

Not everyone is opposed to the complex. A number of other youth sports organizations have voiced their support for the facility.

"One of the things we are excited about is that all the nonprofit youth sports groups in the Westlake area have now partnered with us on the project and formed a coalition to support the project," said Chris Ellis, president-elect of Western Hills Little League.

Those groups consist of Westlake Pop Warner, Westlake Youth Soccer Association, Westlake Youth Lacrosse, Western Hills Girls Softball, Westlake Youth Basketball Association, Lonestar Soccer and i9 Sports.

"It shows how much support there is in the community that each of these organizations would support the project," Ellis said.

Ellis said he hopes that the permitting process and fundraising go smoothly so construction on the complex can begin as soon as possible.