The first phase of a new sports complex near the Allen Creek soccer complex is one step closer to approval.
Gainesville city council opted to move forward at its work session Thursday morning with $450,000 in funding for the design work of the new baseball and softball fields, concession building and parking lots that would be installed across the street from the existing soccer complex.
The money, approved by the Gainesville Parks and Recreation Board, comes from impact fees; the contract will be awarded to Lose & Associates, Inc.
Construction on the $6.75 million SPLOST-funded project will likely begin in 2019, once the money is in city coffers; approving the design work now saves the city an extra step once that money rolls in.
"It's a very needed project for our community," said Gainesville Mayor Danny Dunagan.
Phase II the project will include multi-use fields for football, soccer and lacrosse, according to Melvin Cooper, director of parks and recreation.
If funding continues to be available farther down the timeline, Phase III will include a tennis complex, skate park and multi-purpose community center.
The initial funding will face a final vote at the council next voting session on Tuesday, Nov. 15.
