“Get ready to experience the ultimate convergence of sports, community, and innovation in Douglas County, Colorado. In a landmark partnership that promises to revolutionize the world of regional athletics, Douglas County and the Sterling Ranch Development Company have joined forces with public entities and private industry leaders to bring forth a state-of-the-art sports complex that will catapult the region onto the national sports stage.
Phase One Design Underway
As part of the project, a more than 200-acre wildlife corridor adjacent to Sterling Ranch and Louviers will be preserved. Building Zebulon in Sterling Ranch will also preserve 200 acres in Highlands Ranch that was previously dedicated to the Board of County Commissioners by the developers of Highlands Ranch. Instead, that land will be used for the Highlands Ranch Community Association to preserve as open space.
This first phase of Zebulon is set to include an indoor sports complex with three ice rinks and basketball courts, a soccer complex and a baseball complex. With the partnership formalized, design is now underway on the first phase. View a rendering of the complex here.
Partnership with KT Development for Cost-Efficient Delivery
Using voter-approved sales tax for Parks, Douglas County will partner with the Sterling Ranch Community Authority Board, Sterling Ranch Development Company, and KT development to deliver this project to Douglas County taxpayers in the most cost-efficient way possible.
KT Development has 30 years of sports facility experience and most recently built the Sport Stable in Superior, Colorado and several other projects.
Tax Increment Financing for Future Phases
Additional funding will come for futures phases from Tax Increment Financing, a development tool that leverages an increase in the property tax revenue resulting from the new development.
Community Impact and Benefits
Attracting New Businesses and Amenities to Sterling Ranch
Zebulon will be the catalyst that transforms an area of our county that was primarily industrial – even home to a former dynamite factory – into a regional draw for families and businesses.
Enhanced Quality of Life for Residents and Visitors
This project will attract new shopping, dining, recreation, and community gathering spaces that Sterling Ranch would not be able to support on its own at this time.
Preserving Open Spaces in Highlands Ranch
Instead, that land will be used for the Highlands Ranch Community Association to preserve as open space.
Parks, Trails, Open Space, and Historic Resources Fund
Prioritized Projects for the Community
- High Note Regional Park in Lone Tree
- Wildcat Regional Park in Highlands Ranch
- Funding for Local Municipalities’ Priority Projects
The Board has also prioritized funding for the Parks, Trails, Open Space and Historic Resources fund, which accounts for revenues derived from the 0.17% sales tax revenue.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the partnership between Douglas County and Sterling Ranch Development Company marks a significant milestone in the development of a new regional sports complex. As discussed, this collaborative effort brings together public entities and private industry to create a state-of-the-art facility that will not only cater to the growing needs of local athletes but also drive economic growth and community engagement. The complex, set to feature multiple fields, courts, and amenities, will provide a platform for residents to come together, promote healthy lifestyles, and foster a sense of community pride.
The implications of this partnership extend beyond the confines of Douglas County, setting a precedent for future collaborations between public and private entities. As our region continues to grow and evolve, it is essential that we prioritize investments in community infrastructure, recognizing the far-reaching benefits they bring to our economy, environment, and collective well-being. This project serves as a beacon of what can be achieved when diverse stakeholders come together to drive positive change, and its success will undoubtedly inspire similar initiatives across the region.
As we look to the future, it is clear that this sports complex will be a game-changer for Douglas County, cementing its position as a hub for recreation, entertainment, and community engagement. As the complex takes shape, we are reminded that the true measure of success lies not in the physical structure itself, but in the countless lives it will touch, the memories it will create, and the lasting impact it will have on our community. As we embark on this exciting new chapter, let us remember that the true power of partnership lies not in what we build, but in the bonds we forge, the opportunities we create, and the brighter future we shape – together.