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Council broadens 2026 youth sports study to include sports facilities for all ages
Summary
The council voted to expand a planned 2026 needs-and-feasibility study from youth sports to a community-wide study of sports facilities, adding economic-impact and feasibility elements but not increasing the budgeted amount.
The Laramie City Council on May 19 broadened the scope of a planned FY2026 sports study so it covers sports-facility needs for residents of all ages, not just youth programs.
Councilor Newman moved the amendment to expand scope and Councilor Lockhart seconded; Director Bork told council the expanded scope will still start with a needs assessment but will add an economic-impact and feasibility analysis. Bork said he did not expect the change to require more funding than the $275,000 already budgeted for the study, but that staff might add community and stakeholder meetings as part of the broader engagement.
Bork emphasized the study’s goals are to avoid raising community expectations without a sustainability plan: “What I’m hoping to get out of this study is not just a needs assessment though, but really the... an economic impact study and a feasibility study,” he said. The feasibility work will examine enterprise models, operating costs and potential funding mechanisms that could include fees or bonds.
Councilors noted the expanded study could capture needs tied to senior events, Special Olympics and other adult activities. The motion passed by voice vote 7–0 with two members absent.
Ending: Staff said the study will be community-driven; results are intended to inform any later decisions about capital investment, operating models and potential bond or fee structures.
