Douglas County unveils plans for $100 million Sterling Ranch sports complex
Officials say the facility will generate its own revenue, but nearby residents worry about construction timelines and local wildlife.
By Neha Kapoor ·
Douglas County officials unveiled detailed plans for the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex in Sterling Ranch during an open house on Tuesday evening. The project is designed to serve as a major regional athletic hub, with officials projecting a total cost of up to $100 million. This figure covers construction, site development, utilities, and earthwork. The complex is currently slated to open by January 1, 2029.
County Director of Parks and Recreation Steve Shoultz described the development as the first step in a larger investment in parks and recreation amenities. He noted that while current facilities are well-regarded, they are insufficient for the county's growing population. Shoultz emphasized that the project aims to address this gap without placing a long-term financial burden on local taxpayers.
The county partnered with KT Development to manage the facility. Luke Taylor, a project lead for KT Development, explained that the team interviewed more than 120 potential partners during the first four months of the project. These partners include tournament operators, food and beverage vendors, and fitness providers. Taylor stated that the goal is to make the complex a profit center that offsets staff time and initial investment through revenue.
Shoultz indicated that the facility is projected to become self-sustaining within a few years of operation. He said the board relies on the partner's experience to predict revenue streams accurately. This financial model is intended to ensure the complex funds its own operations after the initial capital outlay is covered.
Todd Weaver, a resident who attended the Tuesday meeting, expressed enthusiasm for the project's regional impact. He noted that the benefits would extend beyond Sterling Ranch, Castle Rock, and Highlands Ranch to the entire Denver metro area. Weaver said he attended the open house primarily to review the schematics and architectural renderings. He was interested in the specific layout of the buildings, softball fields, baseball fields, and practice areas.
Not all residents shared the same level of optimism. Marla Gifford, a Louviers resident who can see the site from her front yard, raised concerns about the construction timeline. She estimated that phase one, which includes four baseball fields and soccer fields, will take at least two years to complete. She expressed doubt that the project will finish on schedule and noted that phase two would add more fields. Gifford, who works in recreation centers, questioned whether a single large facility is the best approach compared to multiple smaller rec centers.
Gifford also voiced concerns about the impact of construction on local wildlife, including bears, coyotes, elk, and deer. She worried that the work would interfere with animal migration paths. In response, Shoultz stated that the county works closely with CDPHE to manage public health risks. He said the county has been undertaking this process since the beginning of the project and continues to monitor conditions before starting vertical construction.
