Date pushed back to complete Sportspark
El Paso County is still working to complete the Sportspark in far east El Paso. The park has been plagued with delays and unfinished projects.
Monday, El Paso County Commissioners voted to terminate its contract with the architecture company handling construction, and hire a new one.
Judge Veronica Escobar added that the county has entered litigation with the architecture, contracting and surety companies after mediation failed.
Escobar said that process will not interfere with the completion of the park.
The discussion of responsibility, culpability and timliness over the completion of the park did not end on a positive note with the companies, said Judge Escobar.
She could not comment further on the litigation process.
It’s easy to see that softball and baseball teams are playing in an unfinished park every weekend. Escobar said that is why it’s important to complete the park the community deserves.
The judge also assured taxpayers that they will not be paying a penny more to complete the Sportspark.
The county is now working to hire a new architecture and construction firm.
“We have the money and we’re gonna finish that, we’re not going to issue any new debt. We’ve retained the money necessary to finish the park, so we’re going to proceed with that,” said Escobar.
While the county searches for new companies, that means a date of completion is also being pushed back.
Escoabr said the Sportspark is expected to be done until after the Spring of next year.