City officials and the developer of the proposed Tranquility Park Sports Complex fielded detailed questions about the project’s financing, schedule and scale during a public hearing and extended council discussion.

City Finance Director Steve Curtis told the council the project is expected to generate roughly $50 million in excess revenue over the next 20 years from operations and associated sources; additional revenue sources the city expects to rely on include a state “turn back,” an anticipated economic enhancement agreement (EEA) shared with the developer and hotel‑tax turnbacks from nearby development. Curtis said those sources together could support about $45 million to $47 million in bonding and that modelled revenues would support issuance of lease‑purchase bonds to pay for the work.

That revenue estimate leaves a gap between the bondable amount and the total project cost. Curtis said the complete scope the council has discussed — approximately $52 million — would cover construction of 12 turf fields and grading for four additional fields. "There is a gap that I think they're still discussing with various philanthropic groups who may close that gap," Curtis said.

Council Member Melton pressed the team on where the project revenues come from and emphasized that the city would not reallocate existing general‑fund resources to build the park. "This money wouldn't be available because it's all user fees and basically sales taxes that are going to be turned back to pay for it," Melton said. He and other council members asked for briefings and additional detail on revenue assumptions before final readings.

Developers and design‑build representatives said earthwork is hoped to start this fall, with targeted completion in 2027. Kyle Linnen of the contractor team said grading could begin "in the next 30 days," and that the procurement process and inflation have delayed earlier timelines. The project team said the construction plan calls for completing 12 playing fields, adding utilities and at least one restroom building, and grading space for four more fields so they can be turfed later if additional funds are secured.

Council Member Festersen and others questioned the economic difference between 12 and 16 fields, noting that 16 fields would better position the complex to host national‑level tournaments. City staff and the contractor estimated an incremental cost of roughly $2 million per additional field to install turf and associated features and said studies show 12 fields would produce substantial regional economic activity while 16 fields would increase national draw and revenues. "At 12, you're at least a kind of a regional place. At 16, I think you can almost hold yourself out as almost more national," Curtis said.

Council Member Harding asked whether a study exists to quantify the delta in revenue for the extra fields; staff said studies and financial models were prepared and that additional briefings for council members are planned. The developer stated at least one hotel is prepared to develop near the site but that the hotel owner is waiting for the park to be a confirmed project.

No final vote on the construction agreement was recorded in the public portion of the transcript; the item remained under consideration with council members scheduling follow‑up briefings and seeking more detailed revenue and phasing information.

Proper names in the record: Tranquility Park Sports Complex; Keywood Building Group Inc.; Kiewit (contractor); City of Omaha.

Why it matters: Council approval would commit the city to a multi‑year capital project financed largely with project‑specific revenue and bonds; the final scope and funding plan determine whether the complex will be 12 fields with grading for four additional fields or a full 16‑field facility.