Derby may get sports complex

If changes are authorized within the Derby STAR bond district, they could result in a new multifaceted sports complex.

The topic was set to be received by the Derby City Council at its Sept. 11 meeting as a first reading.

As proposed, the facility would include indoor and outdoor sport areas, outdoor sand courts and game areas. It also could have a restaurant. It has a tentative name of Derby’s Sports Zone.

Officials say it would provide a resource for training, team practice, games and events. It would deal with a variety of sports, such as badminton, paddleball, sand volleyball and others.

The facility would replace the position of a hotel at the parcel between the water tower and car wash.

That is east of Field Station: Dinosaurs and Rock Regional Hospital and west of Rock Road.

Officials scheduled to explain the change, among others in the district, were Marc Abbott, Chas Morales and Rick Worner, who represent Derby Destination Development LLC, the entity planning the district.

It receives a special state-approved tax status and is meant to spark economic development from local, area and regional consumer traffic.