American Legion Park’s Pickleball Courts Upgrade: The City of Center in Texas is planning to upgrade American Legion Park by early 2026. New features will include pickleball courts, a gazebo, trails, and a play area. City officials want community input before starting. The goal is to create a more fun and active space for everyone to enjoy.
Pickleball Courts Part of Big Park Upgrade
American Legion Park is set for a major makeover. City leaders approved a $17,000 planning and design contract on April 29, 2025, to begin the project. The changes include building new pickleball courts, adding a gazebo, and improving outdoor areas with trails and a play zone.
The project is supported by a $250,000 grant from Texas Parks and Wildlife, which was awarded in January 2025. Mayor David Chadwick said the city is doing this for the people.
“If we don’t do it, who is going to do it? We take it as an obligation we have to our community to make sure we have a very effective park system.” – (Chadwick)
Community Invited to Share Ideas
The city is asking residents to help shape the park’s future. A public meeting will be held with engineers at City Hall on Wednesday at 12 p.m. Online surveys will also open that day. Feedback will help guide the final design. City Manager Chad Nehring said the park needs to feel fresh and new.
“You do want to have a bit of fresh and new so hopefully everyone is able to have the same experience…Whether they come on Monday morning or Sunday afternoon.” – (Nehring)
Chad Nehring added that the park needs more things to do.
“What it does not have is a corresponding play area and it needed to be reinvigorated.” – (Nehring)
Pickleball Could Attract Visitors and Tournaments
Mayor David Chadwick believes better parks, especially with sports like pickleball, can help keep people in town.
“There are opportunities for tournaments, and our people do not have to go somewhere else.” – (Chadwick)
American Legion Park is the last of six parks the city has worked to improve over the past 10 years. Construction is expected to start in early 2026 and will take about four months to finish. The new pickleball courts and other features aim to make the park a fun, welcoming place for all ages.
News in Brief: American Legion Park’s Pickleball Courts Upgrade
The City of Center is adding pickleball courts, a gazebo, trails, and a play area to American Legion Park. With help from a $250,000 state grant, construction will begin in early 2026. City leaders are asking residents to join a meeting or take an online survey to share their input.
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