Assistant City Manager Andy Hesser told the Garland City Council on Oct. 20 that staff recommends moving forward with a youth-soccer destination model for the Holford Road property and pursuing associated rezoning, procurement for an operator and design work.

Hesser said the city acquired roughly 60 acres for soccer use and 13.95 acres intended for private development, and that the proposal centers on roughly eight fields intended to drive tournaments, hotel stays and adjacent retail demand. “Our vision really remains the same,” Hesser said, “what the economy that we feel that will be driven by Holford and Naaman Forest partnership is really gonna be centered around the youth recreational competitive and the highest level of club play possible.”

The project summary disclosed a total capital framework that combines $25.9 million allocated in the 2019 bond program for Holford Road and Naaman Forest extension work with a proposed $25 million Certificates of Obligation issuance for the soccer complex itself, producing a program-level total of $50.9 million. Hesser cited a June 2025 market and financial analysis that estimated first-year attendance near 240,000 and a 30-year net new spending impact just under $1 billion under the study assumptions.

Skip Keller, a resident who spoke during the public-comment period, asked whether the facility would be public or private, how it would be funded and who would operate and program the fields. “Who will program, maintain and promote this facility?” Keller asked, adding that operator expertise is critical for turning fields into a regional destination.

Hesser and other staff said the city intends to solicit an operating partner through a public procurement (RFQ/RFP to be determined), with the expectation that the selected partner would operate and maintain the fields so the work does not impact the general fund. City staff also said the design contract with Kimley-Horn remains active and that the design effort will incorporate operator feedback once a partner is selected.

Council members pressed for details about which roadwork the 2019 bond would fund and whether the bond dollars would pay for elements beyond the two streets. Staff clarified that the 2019 GEO/CO funding covers Naaman Forest extension and Holford Road roadway work and that the $25 million CO issuance is the capital source proposed to finance the soccer complex itself; additional road work would be considered as add‑alternates if bids and budget permit.

Mayor (presiding) asked for a consensus to proceed with the recommendations on design, procurement approach and rezoning; council reported a consensus of 8 in favor and 1 opposed. Staff emphasized that future council approvals will be required for partner agreements and final bond issuances, and the project will return for budget review in the 2026 CIP process.

Provenance: Public comment from resident Skip Keller and Assistant City Manager Andy Hesser introduced and discussed this item during the verbal briefing on the Holford Road soccer complex and destination development plan. Ending: Council provided direction to continue design and procurement planning with the expectation of future specific approvals for partners and bond issuances.