We’re excited to share an update on how planning for our Fairgrounds has progressed since the Fairgrounds District Board approved the conceptual Phase 1 Master Plan earlier this year.
In June, the State issued an RFP for a detailed Phase 1 master plan, to include design guidelines for future development, plans for the park, pedestrian improvements, mixed housing, mixed-use commercial and the sports stadium. The contract for detailed Phase 1 planning is expected to be announced early October 2026.
The State is also expected to issue an RFP for an anchor developer in October, which will bring those Phase 1 components to life.
With the 2026 State Fair opening this week, Fairgrounds Reimagined will be tabling at the Fair Wednesday, September 16, and Saturday-Sunday, September 19-20, specifically seeking input on how the community envisions the park.
Also, during the Fair, the State is conducting traffic and parking studies to help understand traffic flow during some of the busiest days. This information will help in the development of the detailed master plan.
Next week, we will release a digital survey soliciting input on the park.
If you haven’t already, please subscribe to the Fairgrounds Reimagined email to receive updates as we move into the next chapter of building our future Fairgrounds, including more community meetings, surveys, news and events.