Douglas County advances Zebulon sports complex, approving design, infrastructure and financing steps after public debate

Douglas County commissioners voted March 31, 2026, to advance the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex, approving a package of contracts and a financing resolution that staff say will allow the county to begin programming, schematic design and infrastructure work for the proposed 46‑acre sports campus.

The board approved four items: a $2,700,000 phase‑1 contract with KT Development for programming and schematic design; an infrastructure acquisition agreement to fund grading, water and sewer work (the motion listed $12,046,296); an agreement to retain Stifel as the county's financial adviser to support certificate‑of‑participation (COP) financing; and a resolution declaring the county's intent to reimburse eligible project costs from a future COP issuance.

Why it matters: County staff and private partners say the complex—planned to include multiple ice rinks, indoor turf, courts, baseball fields, and an aquatics facility—will address a long‑standing shortage of field and ice time in northwest Douglas County, reduce travel burdens for youth teams, and act as a year‑round economic driver. Dan Avery, deputy county manager, told the board the county solicited partners, held town halls and surveys, and expects partner investment to supplement county funding.

What supporters said: Commissioners and partner groups emphasized no new taxes for the county and…