County OKs committee to negotiate licensing deal for Richard M. Borchard ballpark pending funding verification

Nueces County commissioners voted June 21 to appoint a small negotiating committee to pursue a licensing agreement with Yobe Park, a Houston-based entertainment firm that has proposed converting the Richard M. Borchard Regional Fairgrounds ballpark into a baseball-focused entertainment complex.

Leon McLaughlin, identified himself as president of Yobe Park, told the court his company would prefer renovating the existing stadium rather than building a new facility and said his group was prepared to invest “about $7,000,000” to renovate and adapt the site for family entertainment and training uses. McLaughlin said the proposal would keep seating where practical and add covered bays and activity bays for batting, youth training and food-and-beverage operations.

Commissioners asked for safeguards before the county invested staff time. Commissioner Maris and others said they wanted “verified funding” — examples discussed included a letter of credit or a bank statement — and asked staff to work with the county attorney and auditor on precise verification steps. The court added that any license would be negotiated under the county’s established licensing-agreement model rather than an immediate sale or transfer of property rights.

The court’s motion requires that the committee proceed only after the developer provides financial verification. The committee was described as a small working group led by the precinct commissioner and County staff to complete due diligence, return within 30–60 days with cost estimates and financing documentation, and recommend whether the county should proceed.

Why it matters: The ballpark is county-owned land whose long-term use has prompted differing views among commissioners — from repurposing and redevelopment to demolition and sale — and represents an opportunity to leverage private investment for local economic development. Commissioners emphasized the need to protect the county from half-finished projects and to ensure backing from reputable financial institutions before committing staff time.

What’s next: Staff will work with the applicant and county legal and fiscal offices to define acceptable proof of funds and report back to the court within the requested window. The committee’s findings and any proposed licensing agreement will be brought to the full court for review and possible vote.