Kids, Inc. officially broke ground Tuesday on its long-anticipated Rockrose Sports Park, signaling a major development for youth sports in the Panhandle. The 80-acre complex is set to feature a range of athletic facilities, including turf fields for baseball, softball, soccer, and football, as well as open green spaces and walking trails. Designed to host both local leagues and regional tournaments, the new park aims to ease the strain on Amarillo’s existing athletic fields while attracting visitors and economic activity to the area.
“I’m tired of looking at papers and drawing, and now it’s time to move forward,” said Craig Wilfong, Executive Vice President of Kids, Inc. “We announced this almost four years ago, and there’s been a lot of meetings and design since that time.” Wilfong’s remarks highlighted the long planning process behind the project and the excitement surrounding the start of construction.
The sports park is part of a $30 million fundraising campaign that has already raised more than $26 million through community donations and foundation support. Kids, Inc. officials emphasized that the project will be funded entirely through private contributions, with no city tax dollars being used.
“This is a community project and the community showed up to see what this is all about,” said Jimmy Lackey, President and CEO of Kids, Inc. “I have faith in God and have faith in this community. We’re gonna get this done. If we can get to this point.” Lackey’s comments reflected the strong local backing that has propelled the initiative forward.
Once completed, Rockrose Sports Park will include eight baseball and softball fields, eight flag football fields, and multiple full-size soccer fields. Officials say the park will not only provide a venue for organized sports but also drive long-term economic benefits by attracting tournaments, visitors, and potential new development to the area.
“When we start bringing tournaments to town, and we’re putting heads and beds, and people are spending money and, and this region out here gets developed, and there’s new stores and new convenience stores and new hotels and new shopping centers and things out here,” Lackey said, explaining the broader economic impact the project could have on Amarillo.
Despite the significant funds already raised, Kids, Inc. continues to seek donations to close the remaining funding gap. “Here’s where people don’t understand that those small gifts add up real fast, and we’re at that point in time where those small gifts can close this gap real fast for us,” Lackey said. “It’ll show you all kinds of levels you can give and be a part of this deal. Because when we get opened out here, I’d love to have everybody that wants their name up here, because everybody that gives is going to have their name up out here.”
Construction on Rockrose Sports Park is expected to begin in the coming weeks, with officials estimating the complex will be ready to host games and events by fall 2027. With its combination of modern facilities and community-driven funding, the project represents a significant milestone for youth athletics in the Panhandle and a potential boon for the local economy.
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