City, county leaders reach agreement on sports complex

Meetings between Paducah Mayor George Bray and McCracken County Judge Executive Craig Clymer have finally produced an agreement on the Greenway Sports Complex.

A Thursday meeting put the finishing touches on the agreement that outlines the responsibilities of the fiscal court, city commission, and the sports commission in the $42 million project.

All facets of the design, construction, operation, and maintenance of the project were covered in the new interlocal agreement. 

The agreement will be on the agenda for Monday's Fiscal Court meeting. The ordinance will get its first reading and would be on the agenda for adoption at the first meeting in September.

After it gains final approval, design and construction bids can be considered, putting the park on track to open in 2024.  

Some highlights of the agreement include the formation of a working group with the Sports Commission and two members each from the city and county, the leasing of Bluegrass Downs and Stuart Nelson Park to the Sports Commission, and sharing upgrades to Stuart Nelson Park Road. 

The 20-year lease will include four five-year optional renewals for a total of 40 years.