CROWN POINT | The Board of Works got its first look Wednesday at the designs of the city's proposed indoor and outdoor sportsplex, with the caveat that the change is likely.

"This was an update," said ABW partner Christopher Quinn after delivering the presentation to the board. "But it will change. The budget will change, the final layout will change."

Quinn outlined the preliminary first phase of the sportsplex that will cost an estimated $15 million. He said the complex will incorporate some improvements to the existing fields on East North Street as well as adding new baseball and softball fields, two new concession stands, a large multipurpose field and four football and soccer fields, two made with artificial turf and all four having lights.

He said the indoor facility will have four basketball courts wrapped by a walking track and administrative offices. The existing skate park will be moved as well.

Mayor David Uran said the sportsplex could help the city's economy by bringing in athletes and their parents who need to eat and sleep somewhere when they come for tournaments.

"We're missing that niche in our own backyard," he said.

The city signed a contract with Illinois-based ABW Cos. in May to develop an initial plan for the sports complex on 70 acres of East North Street. While that plan won't cost the city anything, the city will pay the company if it decides to use the plan and have ABW develop the site.

The city also will pay if it decides to use the plan, but asks another developer to execute the plan, according to the agreement.

In August, the city paid $10,000 to Kansas City-based 360 Architecture to create a design and renderings for the sportsplex that were revealed at Wednesday's meeting.

Quinn said the goal is to have the facility help pay for itself through tournaments, events and facility rentals.

"With the credit markets, the best way to fund it this week is different from last week," he said.

Uran said the next step is to have the city's financial adviser Greg Guerrettaz go over the project's numbers.

In other business, the board approved the city's engineering department spending up to $12,000 for check valves, or backflow preventers, for city residents.

Uran said that would pay for about 100 Clean Check brand valves that will be available sometime next week.

To obtain a device, the resident must get certification from a licensed plumber that the location is suitable for the valve's installation, give proof of ownership of the property and sign a waiver of liability. The valve is to be installed on the property, outside of the city right of way.

Paperwork for the device is available in the city's clerk-treasurer's office.