The Amarillo City Council has taken the first step toward rezoning nearly 200 acres of land in South Amarillo that could transform into a major hub for sports, entertainment, and commercial activity. During its most recent meeting, the council held the first reading of an ordinance that would rezone property slated for the new Kids Inc. Rockrose Sports Park along with additional land for commercial businesses.
The property in question has a prime location, bordered by I-27, Sundown Lane, and Coulter Street. Of the total acreage, about 70 acres will be dedicated to the Rockrose Sports Park, while the remaining land will be available for other developers. City leaders see the project as a cornerstone for growth in the southern part of the city.
“I think just floating any idea out there of an entity that we’d love to see here that would go with fun and family, and kind of that experience of what does it look like for the weekend tournament that’s hosted here in Amarillo. And so, that area of town with the Kids Inc. anchor is what that is,” said Mayor Cole Stanley.
The Rockrose Sports Park is designed to be a significant athletic complex, capable of hosting large tournaments and drawing visitors from across the region. Plans call for eight baseball and softball fields and 31 soccer fields, along with facilities for at least seven different sports. The size and scope of the project could position Amarillo as a competitive destination for youth sports events, potentially boosting tourism and related economic activity.
But the sports park is only part of the city’s vision. The broader plan calls for creating a mixed-use development area that includes entertainment venues, restaurants, hotels, and retail stores. Mayor Stanley noted that the site’s proximity to residential areas on the other side of I-27 also makes it well-positioned for balanced growth.
“We’re hoping for additional hotels, restaurants, commercial, and then also on the other side of I-27 is residential. And so, all things are going well. Appreciate the developer annexing into our city and continuing to grow our city in a good direction,” Stanley said.
The development aligns with Amarillo’s broader economic strategy, which identifies certain “target growth areas” for concentrated investment in infrastructure and commercial activity. The city’s goal is to create areas where residents and visitors can shop, dine, stay overnight, and enjoy recreational activities in one connected space.
Rezoning is a necessary first step to making the vision a reality. The ordinance will require one more reading before the City Council can approve it. If the rezoning passes, developers can begin moving forward with detailed plans, infrastructure work, and construction.
For now, the project is still in the early stages, but city officials and local sports advocates are optimistic. The Rockrose Sports Park could not only serve local athletes but also bring in out-of-town teams and families, providing a boost to Amarillo’s hospitality and retail sectors.
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