League City's 4B Board approved the two financial prerequisites needed to close on $49.5 million in debt for the Pat Hallisey Park sportsplex at its Monday, Aug. 3, joint meeting with the Parks Board, according to city records posted after the meeting.

Both items passed.

The board adopted an amended interlocal agreement with the city for 4B capital projects and approved the FY2027 budget, as we reported ahead of the vote July 29. Both had to clear before the city could proceed with the debt issuance financing the new sportsplex near Calder Drive and Ervin Street on League City's west side.

What it pays for

Contractor Spawglass will build the facility at a total project cost of $49,765,700, according to a presentation by Blake Coleman of TBG Partners at the May 26 City Council meeting. The funding breaks down as $49,465,700 in 4B debt, $300,000 from the Tree Preservation Fund and roughly $3.68 million in contingency and materials testing costs cash-funded from the sale of right-of-way for the Grand Parkway.

The approved design includes synthetic turf at baseball infields, concrete bleachers at both baseball and softball fields, an upgraded softball plaza, a 10-foot-wide trail spanning 2.5 kilometers, a Calder Entry Road, additional reforestation and surplus parking.

What residents will pay

The 4B debt is structured over 25 years at an estimated 4.5% interest rate, producing an annual payment of approximately $3.34 million. That figure would consume roughly 62% of the city's projected FY2027 4B sales tax revenue of $5.42 million.

To make room for the sportsplex debt, the city shifted several capital projects. Lobit Park Phase 2, a $5.4 million effort, moved from 4B debt funding to Park Dedication Fees. Walker Pool Renovations, valued at $4.3 million, were paused. Sportsplex Lighting, at $1.9 million, was postponed until funding becomes available.

What happens next

The project timeline calls for debt closing and delivery of funds on Sept. 24, followed by City Council awarding the construction contract on Oct. 13. Spawglass has estimated a 570-day construction schedule from contract award, placing substantial completion in late 2028.