Sports Complex
Wichita State University conducted a Sports Complex Feasibility Study and Economic Impact Study for the proposed Sports Complex. The City of Abilene created a Sports Complex Task Force, along with the Recreation Commission, to oversee and present all phases of this project to the City Commission for final approvals at each step. The City is committed to prioritizing upgrades to our sports facilities, recognizing their importance to the well-being of our community.
Following careful consideration, the City Commission authorized a special election to be held on February 4, 2025, for a 0.35% sales tax to fund quality of life and recreation improvements and programs, including multi-purpose ball fields. We are pleased to announce that the vote passed, and this important investment will help enhance recreational opportunities for residents and visitors alike.
The Sports Complex Task Force is currently refining the scope of the project. They plan to present their recommendations to the City Commission in the coming months, which will be an important step in moving the project forward.
We appreciate everyone who took the time to vote and participate in this important decision for our community. Your engagement is vital in shaping the future of Abilene.
This page will continue to be updated—please check back regularly or sign up for notifications to stay informed.
We encourage curiosity and welcome anyone with questions or concerns to contact:
Kellee Timbrook
Parks & Recreation Director
785-263-7266
kellee@abilenecityhall.com
Jon Quinday
Interim City Manager
785-263-2550
jquinday@abilenecityhall.com
Feasibility Study Results
The Wichita State University sports feasibility community survey was open to the public from May 19, 2023 - June 9, 2023, and was available online on this page, the city website, and paper copies available at the Abliene Community Center, City Hall, and the Senior Center. Thank you to all those who participated!
Sports Complex Task Force:
Andrea Taylor - Community Member
Angie Evans - Rec Commission Representative
Veronica Murray - USD 435 School Board Representative
Doug Smart - Dickinson County Economic Developement Representative
Kellee Timbrook - City Representative
Ron Preston - Community Member
Randy Gassman - Community Member
Tony Geiger - Community Member
Michelle Stephens - Community Member
Recreation Commission:
Billy Hansen - Member
Angie Evans - Member
Shelly Crane - Member
Derek Berns - Member
Shawn Herrman - Member
This webpage is maintained by the City and will serve to keep the community informed of anticipated stages and important dates. All dates are tentative and subject to change. Updates will be made directly to this site. It is encouraged to check back regularly or register for notifications to stay informed.
Stay Informed
Get notified on upcoming engagements and the latest project related news.
Additional Information
Important Dates
City Commission Approval of the WSU Feasibility Study
The City Commission, with a vote of 4-1, approved the proposal from Wichita State University for the Sports Complex Feasibility Study and Economic Impact Study in an amount not to exceed $30,000, with $10,000 coming from the Recreation Commission Special Projects Fund and $20,000 coming from the General Fund Special Projects Fund.
www.abilenecityhall.com/AgendaCenter/ViewFile/Minutes/_03132023-303
Initial Meeting with WSU and City Staff
City staff met with WSU to discuss gathering data for the feasibility study.
Community Survey Opens
Surveys may be completed using the QR code or link found on this page. Paper copies may also be picked up at the Abilene Community Center, City Hall, Senior Center, or printed using the link under supporting documents on this page. Paper copies can be returnd to the Abilene Community Centr, City Hall, or the Senior Center.
QR codes are also available to scan at the community baseball diamonds and swimming pool.
Planning Committee Meeting
Meeting of the Sports Complex Task Force members, WSU and City staff via Zoom at 1:00 p.m.
Topics:
- Discuss the methodology of the economic impact and feasibility studies, idenifing the relevant costs and benefits to generate estimates of the potential impact of building a new sports complex.
- Provide preliminary findings of survey responses received to date.
Planning Committee Meeting
Meeting of the Sports Complex Task Force members, WSU and City staff via Zoom at 1:00 p.m.
Topics:
- Continue reviewing costs and benefits to generate estimtes for the final report of the potential impact of building a new sports complex.
- Review findings of survey responses.
Community Survey Ends
Thank you for your feedback!
WSU Presents at City Commission Meeting
Wichita State University will present results of the Sports Complex Feasibility Study at the City Commission Meeting on Monday, January 8, 2024.
The City Commission Regular meeting begins at 4:00 p.m. at the Abilene Public Library located at 209 NW 4th Street.
The Study Session will follow the regular meeting 15 minutes after adjournment, no earlier than 4:30 p.m.
Citizens are encouraged to attend or watch live on the City of Abilene YouTube Channel.
Sports Complex Task Force Meeting
The Sports Complex Task Force will meet on February 6, 2024, to review the results and discuss next steps.
Sign up for notifications at the bottom of this page page to receive updates!
Steering Committee Meeting
The Steering Committee met on Tuesday, March 19, 2024, deciding to present the ballot question for a 0.35% sales tax to the City Commission for vote.
City Commission Meeting
On Monday, April 22, 2024, Resolution No. 042224-2 was passed by a
5-0 City Commission vote.
The ballot question, as it will appear on the August 6, 2024, Primary Electrion ballot, and more information about the 0.35% Sales Tax for quality of life and recreation improvements and programs, including multi-purpose ball fields, can be found here: https://abilene-ks.civilspace.io/en/projects/0-35-sales-tax-vote
Primary Election voter information can be found here: https://www.dkcoks.gov/1261/August-2024-Primary-Election
Sports Complex Open House
Join us on Tuesday, July 23, 2024, from 4-7 pm at the Abilene Community Center to learn about how we can improve the quality of life and recreation facilities and programs in our community!
What's Happening:
- Vision Unveiled: View detailed renderings of the future sports complex plans.
- Discussion: Chat with high school baseball/softball players, Sports Complex Task Force members, and representatives from other communities with
successful sports complexes. - Open Tours: Explore each ball diamond complex throughout the evening.
- Refreshments: Enjoy complimentary snacks and beverages
Why Attend?
- Learn: Understand the vision and benefits of the proposed improvements.
- Engage: Ask questions and provide feedback directly to project leaders.
- Support: Discover how the 0.35% sales tax will enhance our community's quality of life
Election Day - Results
The August 6, 2024 primary election saw the 0.35% sales tax proposal receive 608 YES votes and 675 NO votes, resulting in its rejection. Despite this outcome, the Sports Complex Task Force remains committed to exploring alternative approaches to address the critical need for recreation facility and program improvements.
Further updates will be provided as the Task Force continues its efforts to achieve this vital goal. Please check back regularly or sign up for notifications to stay informed.
City Commission Passes Resolution No. 102824-2
On Monday, October 28, 2024, Resolution No. 102824-2 was passed by a 5-0 City Commission vote.
Resolution No. 102824-2 is a resolution authorizing and providing for the calling of a special question election in the City of Abilene, Kansas, for the purpose of submitting to the electors of the city the question of imposing a three-and-one-half tenths of one percent (0.35%) citywide retailer's sales tax for the purpose of funding recreation facility improvements, to include multi purpose fields; and providing for the giving of notice of said election.
Election Day
ELECTION DAY
Voting Location:
Holm West Building (Previously Green Ford)
2104 N. Buckeye Ave., Abilene, KS
Polls open from 7 a.m. - 7 p.m.
For More Information: https://www.dkcoks.gov/172/Elections