Garden City commission approves STAR bond resolution to advance Sports of the World Phase 2

The Garden City governing body on Oct. 1 approved a resolution declaring the city’s intent to issue STAR bonds of up to $38,500,000 to finance part of Phase 2 of the Sports of the World project, a multi-field sports complex the city said would draw regional visitors.

Danielle, a city staff member presenting the item, said the developer has proposed expanding the STAR bond district to cover the second phase and described the plan’s core elements. "The proposed resolution outlines the city's intent to issue special obligation STAR bonds in an amount not to exceed $38,500,000 to finance a portion of the cost associated with phase 2," she said. The project description included four softball fields and four baseball fields, with room for future development and flexible use for soccer or flag football.

Staff and bond counsel said the resolution is an early, procedural step. The issuance and any supporting documents are contingent on the developer obtaining necessary approvals from the Kansas Department of Commerce and additional approvals from the city; bond counsel Mary Carson reviewed the resolution and worked with the developer’s legal team. City staff noted there is no fiscal note tied to this specific procedural action.

Commissioners spoke in favor of the project’s potential regional economic benefits and noted the developer’s financial commitment. One commissioner cautioned that STAR bonds would not cover the project’s full cost and emphasized the developer’s "skin in the game." After brief discussion, the governing body moved and seconded the resolution and approved it by a 4–1 vote.

Next steps for the project include any required state reviews and subsequent city approvals before bond issuance or construction may proceed.