Despite the deal for Epicenter League City still pending, League City officials are moving forward with the design and construction of a new sportsplex on the city’s west side, according to a League City news release. Less than a year ago, the city and Western Spherical Developers signed a predevelopment agreement for the developer to turn the site of the existing Chester L. Davis Sportsplex along I-45 into Epicenter League City, an entertainment hub that would include a convention center, amphitheater, arenas for professional sports, hotels, restaurants and more. Officials had hoped a development agreement would be signed by early this year, but it has not happened yet, according to the release. As part of the pending agreement, Wester Spherical Developers would pay to construct a new, larger sportsplex along the south side of Ervin Avenue west of Calder Road. Until the agreement is reached, League City’s 4B Corporation Board, which determines how to allocate certain local sales tax dollars, has set aside $1.5 million to fund the planning and design work for Phase 1 of Bay Colony Park for fiscal year 2019-20 as well as up to $6.8 million for the construction of four baseball fields, a parking lot and a maintenance facility for FY 2020-21, according to the release. 
League City officials will apply for a Texas Parks & Wildlife Department grant to help fund the new facility. “As the proposed Epicenter project continues to evolve, we are optimistic that a private-public partnership can be developed that will fund the new westside sportsplex,” said David Hoover, League City executive director of development services, in the release. “The city is moving forward on this project now because there is an immediate need for more ballfields in League City, and we want to get ahead in the design and development process." The public will have a chance to weigh in on the 4B Corporation Board’s idea before any funds can be spent on the new sportsplex. There will be a public hearing at 6:30 p.m. Sept. 9 at the Johnnie Arolfo Civic Center, 400 W. Walker St., League City. The board has also approved using 4B funds for other projects recommended by the city’s Parks and Cultural Services Department, including an obstacle course and fitness station to be combined with the planned 5K loop trail at Hometown Heroes Park and three new kayak launches along Clear Creek. Residents can comment on these proposed projects as well during the public hearing, the release reads.