Commission selects Halff as preferred architect-engineer and approves purchase of 20 acres for youth sports complex

The Enid City Commission on Thursday selected Halff as the preferred engineering firm to proceed with scope and fee negotiations for a proposed $25 million youth sports complex and approved a separate real-estate purchase for 20 acres near the existing premier soccer facility.

After presentations from two finalists, commissioners voted 4 to 3 to select Halff (motion language in the record: “selecting Halff as the firm”). The mayor and staff said the selection will allow the city to negotiate a scope of services and fees and return to the commission for final contract approval; staff indicated they expect to return with a negotiated contract in about a month. Commissioners were told the project team hopes to complete the design and construction within a three-year timeline after contract execution.

Commissioners and staff described the project as a regional economic-development opportunity tied to the city’s existing tournament infrastructure. Officials said the facility concept has been discussed for more than a year;…