Meetings will discuss proposed Albi complex

A pair of community meetings on development of a sports complex at Albi Stadium is scheduled for Monday and Tuesday at the West Central Community Center, 1603 N. Belt St.

The first of the meetings at 6:30 p.m. on Monday will be devoted to discussion of the design of a new skateboard park at Albi.

The second meeting at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday will be convened to discuss the impact of traffic from development of the sports complex.

Voters last fall approved a $42.9 million bond issue for pools, splash pads, the Albi complex and ball fields across the city.

Of the bond issue money, $7.6 million will be used to finance about $11 million of improvements at Albi. The heart of the complex would be a five-diamond softball facility long sought for hosting tournaments throughout the summer season. It would be located to the northeast of the stadium

In addition, the Albi complex would include soccer fields, a BMX bike track, play facilities, restrooms and parking. Construction would begin at the end of this year’s soccer season with completion of the softball complex late in the 2009 summer season. New soccer fields would be ready for use in 2010.