If anybody is to blame for the delays in getting the Scheels sports complex built, the Springfield area’s point man on economic development says it’s the administration of former Mayor Jim Langfelder

“Almost three years ago, we started a conversation with the city about the sports complex,” said Springfield Sangamon Growth Alliance CEO Ryan McCrady. “At that time, we explained that we needed to have the business district reset,” abolishing an existing district and restarting the clock with a new one. “For whatever reason, the previous administration didn’t move that ball forward. We had continually reiterated the need to do that. I understand the frustration that you’re having to vote on this now. It’s late in the game. Thats a valid frustration, but the developer can’t do the business district. It has to be initiated by a city entity.”

The city council Tuesday unanimously approved the business district designation around the sports park site, which has a groundbreaking scheduled for September 20. That designation is crucial for the project to be financed.

Supporters hope the privately-funded complex is a magnet for travel ball teams which would come here for tournaments.