Douglas County commissioners unanimously approved a contract with KT Development during a Special Business Meeting on March 31, advancing the Zebulon Regional Sports Complex from vision to execution.
The agreement gives KT Development responsibility to design, build, program and operate the facility, formalizing a public private partnership for one of the largest recreation projects planned in the region.
Zebulon is planned as a multi phase, approximately 500 acre regional sports complex in northwest Douglas County, located near Moore Road and Waterton Road in Sterling Ranch, just south of C 470.
The first phase will focus on roughly 46 acres and is expected to include a large indoor sports facility with ice rinks, basketball courts and multi use space, along with baseball and soccer fields. Future phases are expected to expand into a broader destination with additional fields, a sports dome, retail and dining space, and significant open space preservation.
At full buildout, Zebulon is designed to function as a regional destination for tournaments and events, addressing a long standing gap in Douglas County’s sports infrastructure. County officials have noted that many local families currently travel out of state for competitive events due to limited local facilities.
Commissioner Abe Laydon emphasized the community impact of the vote. “Tonight, kids win,” he said, framing the project as both a response to public demand and a financially sustainable investment.
The project is tied directly to voter approved funding through the Parks, Trails, Historic Resources and Open Space program, which is expected to generate more than $330 million over 15 years for recreation and conservation investments.
Commissioners said the Zebulon concept has been shaped through more than a year of public engagement, surveys and stakeholder input. Community feedback consistently prioritized two outcomes: preserving open space and expanding access to youth sports facilities.
The broader Zebulon plan reflects that balance. In addition to sports infrastructure, the project includes hundreds of acres of preserved land, including wildlife corridors and natural buffers, positioning the development as both a recreation hub and conservation effort.
Economically, the project is expected to have a significant regional impact. Previous estimates suggest Zebulon could generate over $1 billion in tax revenue and support nearly 1,800 jobs over the next decade.
Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle said the project answers a key question posed to voters: how to invest public funds in a way that reflects community priorities. Commissioner George Teal added that the approval provides long awaited clarity after months of public discussion.
With the KT Development contract now in place, Douglas County can begin moving toward construction, with early site work and infrastructure expected to follow. Groundbreaking is anticipated in the near term, with long term buildout planned over multiple phases.
Zebulon represents one of the most ambitious public recreation investments in the Denver metro area, positioning Douglas County to compete for regional and national sports events while supporting its rapidly growing population.
