Bids are expected to open early next year for the next construction phase of a big sports field complex being built on the far east side of El Paso.
Originally funded at $10 million as one of the Quality of Life bonds passed by El Paso voters in 2012, the first phase construction of what is being called the Eastside Sports Complex was increased to nearly $24 million when the project was expanded.
City officials expect that the first phase of the project, which started last year, will wrap next summer.
Meanwhile, design work on the second phase will most likely start in early 2018 with construction slated to begin later in the year.
The project is going up on a rectangular-shaped 80-acre site at the intersection of John Hayes Street and Montwood Drive, more than 20 miles to the east of downtown El Paso.
Included as part of the complex are 16 sports fields, hiking and biking trails, exercise stations, Americans with Disabilities Act-compliant bathrooms, and an events pavilion.
Work on the second phase of the project will be funded through the creation of both a Tax Increment Reinvestment Zone, as well as a Public Improvement District that will use property taxes to pay for the continued work.
