The Academy to Meet Planning Board on Nov. 17

The developer will present a plan to Boulder officials that includes preserving local baseball fields.

Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Baseball

Expressionist editorial sports illustration of a baseball diamond with mountain silhouettes, capturing the setting of local community fields. — The Academy is set to present a proposal to Boulder officials on November 17, 2026, aimed at balancing senior housing with the preservation of North Boulder Little League baseball fields. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Live Poll

Should local officials prioritize preserving existing community sports fields over building new senior housing developments?

The Academy is scheduled to appear before the Boulder Planning Board on Nov. 17, 2026, to discuss a proposal for the 17.5-acre Broadway Complex. The plan seeks to develop senior housing while maintaining the site for North Boulder Little League.

Why it matters

This meeting is a pivotal step in balancing the demand for senior housing with the long-standing community tradition of youth sports. The outcome will determine the future of a site that has served local baseball teams for seven decades.

The proposed Broadway Complex site spans 17.5 acres and currently houses Iris Fields, which has been used by the North Boulder Little League for 70 years. The developer has offered $26 million for the land, supported by a petition with 5,000 signatures.

The players

The Academy

This organization is a developer under contract to purchase the Broadway Complex for $26 million.

North Boulder Little League

This youth organization has utilized the baseball facilities at Iris Fields for the past 70 years.

Save Iris Fields coalition

This advocacy group collected more than 5,000 petition signatures to influence the development of the Broadway Complex.

The details

The Academy proposal suggests integrating a cafe, restaurant, and commercial space alongside senior living units at the Broadway Complex. The project is currently navigating the city's concept review process before it can advance to further stages of planning.

Iris Fields has hosted North Boulder Little League games since 1956.
Boulder County announced the Broadway Complex sale on Feb. 4, 2025.
The Academy submitted its development proposal in August 2025.
The Academy meets with the city Planning Board on Nov. 17, 2026.

Season Trajectory

The proposed development at Iris Fields directly impacts the future availability of youth sports venues in the region. The outcome of the planning board vote will establish the long-term feasibility of maintaining this specific site for the North Boulder Little League season.

Local families and league organizers should track the planning board meeting to see if the proposed site layout retains the existing baseball diamond configuration. The preservation of these fields will dictate the registration capacity for the North Boulder Little League in future seasons.

The takeaway

The upcoming review highlights the tension between land development and maintaining historic recreational spaces for community youth. Residents should monitor the planning board session to understand how the proposed senior housing will interact with the existing baseball infrastructure.