Groundbreaking for new community sports complex behind schedule

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- The groundbreaking for the new Central Valley Community Sports Complex is behind schedule. The complex will be at the former Granite Park complex in Southeast Fresno.

Action News was told by the principals in the company that the complicated, nearly $3-million, project is still going forward, but some big changes have been made that will make the sports complex even bigger. While groundbreaking had been expected in January, they now hope to start work in May.

The first phase of the project will be getting replica ballparks back in shape. For City Council member Lee Brand, it can't come too soon. "As far as I'm concerned this has been a blight for a long time, so, the sooner the better."

Bill Cummings is the contractor for the project. "The first phase of this project is to bring back the three existing fields, as well as updating the concession building that has the score table and the bathrooms, updating some of the parking, the main gate, and we are looking to have that work done as quickly as possible."

The hope to have the old ball fields open by early summer. Future phases will follow. "The way we are phasing the construction of the restaurant building, the 15,000-foot basketball building, the main baseball field, the professional level and professional size, those will be done in phases after the park opens," said Cummings.

Cummings said the developers, Terance Frazier and TJ Cox, have added features, resulting in changing plans and financing. Council Member Brand, the city's fiscal watchdog, remains confident the deal will come through. He notes these developers are paying their own way. "Whatever impediment they have, or any costs, is on their dime, they took the risk to do it, I presume it's a minor problem. At this point in time, I hope they can complete the project in a reasonable time frame."

That's important because the last developer who tried to make this work left the city on the hook for $5-million. The city still owns the property but will lease it to the Central Valley Community Sports Foundation for 25 years.

So, despite a small delay, the city, and the developers are hoping this will become a major recreation resource for the entire region.