By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
By order of Sheriff Darren Weekly, Stage 1 Fire Restrictions are in place for unincorporated areas of Douglas County. Ordinance No. O-012-004 restricts open fires, open burning and the use of fireworks in the unincorporated areas of Douglas County.
Commissioners name private partner to develop new sports complex, including three ice rinks, multi-sport courts, sports dome with indoor turf fields, fitness center, and more
Posted on March 31, 2026 2026News and EventsZebulon
Pictured: Douglas County Commissioners and citizens at the Zebulon Special Business Meeting March 31, 2026
Did you know, according to newly released Census data, Douglas County is one of the fastest-growing counties in Colorado? Yet, it’s been decades since there was a significant investment in parks and recreation amenities countywide.
That’s changing.
During a Special Business Meeting Tuesday, March 31, Douglas County Commissioners voted unanimously to approve a contract with KT Development to design, build, program and operate Douglas County’s new Zebulon Regional Sports Complex.
“Tonight, kids win,” said Commissioner Abe Laydon. “Zebulon represents a trifecta for youth sports in Douglas County: A significant new amenity that responds to public feedback, while paying for itself.”
Historic investments started in 2025 to serve our rapidly growing community. New parks and recreation facilities will be coming online in Parker, Castle Rock, Lone Tree – and, now, northwest Douglas County.
For over a year, the Zebulon vision has been taking shape. Community engagement and a public process culminated in the Board’s action Tuesday night.
“We began this journey with a simple question: How should we invest your voter-approved funds? We heard you clearly. You wanted open space preserved and better sports facilities for our kids,” said Commissioner Kevin Van Winkle. “Today, we are delivering both. Zebulon is an iconic, self-sustaining project. Because it is designed to pay for itself, we aren’t just building a world-class complex—we are actually freeing up resources to invest in even more parks and trails across every corner of Douglas County.”
Last fall, the County began this public process by issuing a Request for Qualifications/Proposal for a contractor or developer to build Zebulon. The County received 10 responses. Four responses met the qualifications and were interviewed.
KT Development was the only turn-key solution proposed during the public process – and was the lowest bid, offering a guaranteed maximum price of $65 million to build Zebulon’s facilities, which are slated to include: three full NHL-sized hockey rinks, a practice ice rink, eight full multi-sport courts, a sports dome with turf field and removable roof, a 15,000 square foot fitness and lifestyle center open to all, restaurants and baseball/softball fields. Additional private partners could bring an additional $34 million in capital funding. The details of these partnerships – and any others – will be defined as part of the design process.
To fund the entire project – including utilities, earthwork and other infrastructure – the County plans to finance up to $100 million via Certificates of Participation. COPs do not raise taxes and are a common way for governments to finance capital projects. Many local governments in the county and throughout the state have recently used COPs to fund capital projects. The County expects revenue generated from the facility to pay for ongoing operating costs and to repay the County’s initial investment in construction.
“We started talking about Zebulon as a concept more than a year ago,” said Commissioner George Teal. “We know our community has had questions, and tonight, many of those are answered. I truly believe our community can be proud of the work that’s been done to bring this vision to life.”
About Zebulon Regional Sports Complex
Zebulon responds to the community’s call for additional sports amenities. The new regional sports complex, named for western explorer Zebulon Pike and located on 46 acres in northern Douglas County, will be a hub for youth and adult activities. Phase one is expected to include: three full NHL-sized hockey rinks, a practice ice rink, eight full multi-sport courts, a sports dome with turf field and removable roof, a 15,000 square foot fitness and lifestyle center open to all, restaurants and baseball/softball fields. 185 acres of open space will be preserved around Zebulon.
The County has contracted KT Development to build, operate and program the facility. KT has provided a guaranteed maximum construction price of $65 million. The total cost of the project, including site development and utilities, is estimated at $100 million. Douglas County will pay for construction and site development upfront, and the facility’s future revenue is expected to cover operating expenses and repay the County’s investment.
Visit douglas.co.us/Zebulon to learn more.
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