The multiyear project will include renovating all the sports fields; expanding hike-and-bike trails; adding features, such as play equipment, restroom buildings and digital scoreboards; and more, according to the release. The first phase of the project will also add synthetic turf to many of the sports fields, which will reduce field use interruptions due to weather and allow for a higher concentration of games and tournaments to be played at the facility. The facility will be closed through most of the construction process.
“While the focus will be on serving our home-grown teams and bringing more sports tourism to McKinney, we are also aiming to add new passive and active recreation features that will be accessible to the whole community all year long,” Director of Parks and Recreation Michael Kowski said.
The facility is adjacent to other McKinney development projects, including District 121 and Hub 121. The renovations to the sports complex are meant to meet “growing demand” and provide enhanced facilities for both locals and visitors, according to the release.
“A facility like this will allow us to have increased exposure as a cutting-edge sports tourism destination,” Visit McKinney Executive Director Aaron Werner said.
The City Council awarded the project’s Phase 1 construction contract to Hellas Construction at its Oct. 3 meeting. The project is funded by the 2019 bond election as well as contributions from residential developers required by the city’s parkland dedication requirements, according to the release.
