Liberty Bell Park Gets Pickleball Courts: In the first stage of a multi-phased renovation project, the Norfolk City Council approved an agreement for the design of pickleball courts and sidewalks at Liberty Bell Park. The $7,500 contract with McLaury Engineering will provide for the design work and bidding on construction for four pickleball courts, sidewalks, fencing, and court painting at the park, according to city parks and recreation director Nate Powell.
The funding for this project stems from a generous $300,000 donation made to the city by three Norfolk residents last December. Bryan Adams, Tom Schueth, and Mike Wingate have championed the cause, envisioning pickleball as a unifying force for the community.
“Tom and I, and our other partner Bryan felt that we wanted to give more back to the community,” Wingate said during the presentation of the check at a December city council meeting. “We saw that there was a real need for it in Norfolk, and we hope that all of Norfolk and the community can enjoy it.”
Powell estimated that the design process would take approximately four weeks, with an additional 30 days allocated for bidding on the construction contract. This timeline sets the beginning of construction between August and September.
Beyond the pickleball courts, Powell’s department has ambitious plans for Liberty Bell Park. These include expanding the existing playground, constructing single-use bathrooms once current work at Johnson Park is completed, and adding a picnic shelter in the future. These enhancements aim to further transform the park into a vibrant community hub.
Councilman Kory Hildebrand expressed his gratitude for the donation, highlighting its impact on the community. “I think it should be mentioned how awesome a donation is. These people should be thanked for what they’ve done for our community,” he said.
Norfolk Mayor Josh Moenning echoed Hildebrand’s sentiments, noting the visible transformation of the park. “That park is transforming before our very eyes because of that donation,” Moenning agreed.
With construction poised to begin soon, Norfolk residents can look forward to a revitalized Liberty Bell Park, where pickleball courts and other amenities will bring the community together, reflecting the generous spirit of its donors and the city’s commitment to enhancing public spaces.
News In Brief: Liberty Bell Park Gets Pickleball Courts
The Norfolk City Council approved a $7,500 contract with McLaury Engineering for designing pickleball courts and sidewalks at Liberty Bell Park, funded by a $300,000 donation from residents Bryan Adams, Tom Schueth, and Mike Wingate. The project, which includes four pickleball courts, sidewalks, fencing, and court painting, will start construction between August and September. Additional plans for the park include expanding the playground, adding single-use bathrooms, and constructing a picnic shelter. Councilman Kory Hildebrand and Mayor Josh Moenning praised the donors for their significant contribution, emphasizing the park’s ongoing transformation into a vibrant community hub.
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