Garner Street Park Pickleball Upgrades: Springfield has opened two new outdoor pickleball courts at Garner Street Park. The upgrades also include a new restroom, five resurfaced tennis courts, and an accessible playground. The project, supported by a $500,000 state grant, began in 2022 and cost a total of $1 million.
Years of Planning Pay Off
Springfield Parks and Recreation Director Terry Martin said the work took about three years to complete. The city started with an all-inclusive playground, followed by building a restroom and pavilion. Then, one of the six tennis courts was converted into two pickleball courts.
“We had six tennis courts, and there’s a very large demand for pickleball,”. “We were able to eliminate one of the tennis courts, which would leave us with five still, and we were able to put two pickleball courts on that one tennis court. They’ve been using them daily.”(Terry Martin)
Martin said the courts give pickleball players another place to enjoy the game.
“We do have several indoor courts, I think, at a couple of the churches. We also have indoor courts at the rec center that we can make available, but these are permanent courts,”. “People have been hollering for them. The true discussion to come is if two [courts] is going to be enough.”(Terry Martin)
Playground for All Children
The new playground was built with accessibility in mind. It has ramps and smooth turf for wheelchairs. It also includes sensory panels for children with autism and musical instruments.
“We’ve redone all of those with this grant money,”. “And, if someone comes down there with a child that is in a wheelchair, it gives them an opportunity because it’s a turf surface.”(Terry Martin)
The city made sure all walkways and surfaces meet ADA standards. Traditional swings and slides are also part of the play area.
“Of course, we’ve also got the swings and slides and all that good stuff that most playgrounds have also,” (Terry Martin).
Final Steps Before Grand Opening
The pickleball courts officially opened last week. The playground is waiting for final approval from the contractor before the public can use it. The city plans to hold a ribbon-cutting ceremony once the inspection is complete.
“I hope to have that in place hopefully by the end of next week,”(Terry Martin).
He added that the upgrades are part of a broader plan to improve parks across Springfield.
“I know the community’s ready for it, and it’s just something that’s really exciting for the community,”. “We’ve got the south end of town covered; we’ve got the central area of town, and we’ve got some great features going on at Travis Price Park, which is on the north end of town.”(Terry Martin)
News in Brief: Garner Street Park Pickleball Upgrades
Springfield opened new pickleball courts and an accessible playground at Garner Street Park. The $1 million project also added restrooms and resurfaced tennis courts. Supported by a state grant, the upgrades improve outdoor fun for all ages and needs. A ribbon-cutting will follow final contractor checks next week.
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