After years of meticulous planning and tireless fundraising efforts, Kids Inc., a leading youth sports organization in Amarillo, Texas, is on the cusp of realizing its ambitious vision for a state-of-the-art sports complex that promises to revolutionize the local sports landscape. With substantial progress in its funding campaign, the organization is poised to break ground on this transformative project, which will centralize and elevate youth sports activities in the community.

Unlocking New Possibilities for Amarillo's Young Athletes

Laying the Foundation for a Thriving Sports Hub

Kids Inc. has been meticulously planning and fundraising for its new sports complex, a $28 million outdoor facility spanning approximately 60 acres of lighted synthetic turf fields. This ambitious project, which has received approval from the organization's board, represents a significant milestone in the community's efforts to provide world-class sports facilities for its youth.The complex will feature cutting-edge drainage systems and low-maintenance synthetic turf, ensuring consistent playability and minimizing the need for water, fertilizer, or mowing. These innovative features will not only enhance the user experience but also contribute to the long-term sustainability of the facility.

Centralizing Youth Sports for Increased Accessibility

One of the key objectives of the new sports complex is to centralize youth sports activities, which are currently scattered across multiple locations in Amarillo. This strategic move will have a profound impact on families, particularly those with multiple children participating in different sports."We have over 18,000 kids going through our program each year. Many of them are from single-parent households, or are being raised by grandparents on fixed incomes," explained Jimmy Lackey, the president and CEO of Kids Inc. "Right now, games are scheduled all over town, and when we can centralize them in one place, it will make life easier. Families with two or three kids often find themselves driving to multiple parks for different games. Having everything in one location will be a huge relief."

Fostering a Vibrant Sports Community

The versatility of the synthetic turf fields will allow the complex to accommodate a wide range of sports and events, from soccer and volleyball to baseball and softball. This adaptability will enable Kids Inc. to host tournaments and events, regardless of weather conditions, further enhancing the community's sports offerings and attracting visitors to the region."The beauty of this turf is its adaptability. You can host different sports, like soccer or volleyball, and easily adjust the fields to suit different needs with removable chalk lines," Lackey highlighted, underscoring the complex's ability to cater to the diverse interests and needs of young athletes.

Driving Economic Growth and Community Engagement

The new sports complex is poised to have a positive economic impact on the Amarillo community. Last year, 18,600 children participated in Kids Inc. programs, and the organization's growth is expected to attract more visitors and generate additional revenue for local businesses."We're ready to get started, and we have no doubt we'll finish this last piece," said Lackey, referring to the remaining $5 million needed to reach the $28 million goal for Phase One. "It would be wonderful if people wanted to help us wrap that up by year end."With the community's support and the organization's unwavering commitment, Kids Inc. is confident in its ability to bring this transformative project to life, unlocking new opportunities for Amarillo's young athletes and fostering a vibrant sports culture that will benefit the entire community.