Feasibility study on sports complex in Marble Falls heads to City Council next
MARBLE FALLS — After months of discussion, parks and rec commissioners are forwarding a feasibility study on a proposed sports complex to City Council, with some suggesting that existing facilities be improved instead.
The Parks and Recreation Commission made the decision Nov. 5 after an hour of listening to different opinions, saying the council should consider the report as a “discussion tool” while also considering upgrades to existing ball parks and sports fields as another option.
The commissioners approved the recommendation one day before they join the council and the Economic Development Corp. in a workshop 4 p.m. Nov. 6 in the council chambers, 800 Third St.
Proponents say the proposed complex can bring more revenue to the region by attracting tournaments and athletic events. Some estimates have put the cost of building the complex in phases at $34 million.
Commissioner Leta Stephenson-Smith asked her colleagues to think about the purpose of constructing a sports complex.
“We’re looking through rose-colored glasses saying if we build it, they will come,” she said. “Are we building it for the community or to show our neighbors we have enough money to build it?”
Commissioner Bob Fallis said a sports complex has been discussed since he moved to Marble Falls in 1980.
“We always come up with the same problem — availability of land and cost of land in Marble Falls,” he said. “The feasibility study is very thorough and very optimistic. The numbers of tournaments put on over a period of a year, I don’t trust those figures. I don’t think we can put on that many tournaments in a year.”
City Manager Ralph Hendricks suggested the commissioners advise the council to use the feasibility study as a tool.
Consultants CSL International and Baker-Aicklen & Associates conducted the study at a cost of $50,000.
Commissioner Steve Manley suggested the council use the feasibility study as a guideline for phases 1 and 2, which include outdoor playing fields for soccer, tennis, baseball, softball and football, and not consider phases 3 and 4 for building indoor courts and a natatorium.
Several commissioners opposed that recommendation, and Manley then recommended the council simply focus on improving current facilities.
Parks and Recreation Director Robert Moss said he invited members of the sports complex feasibility study steering committee to attend the workshop.