Pickleball Added In Howard Park: In a move that promises to breathe new life into Howard Elementary School Park, Medford City Council has greenlighted a $2.2-million renovation project. Starting at the end of July, the transformation will introduce New Pickleball Courts, a splash pad, marking a significant upgrade for the park’s amenities.
Earlier this month, Medford City Council unanimously authorized awarding the contract to Adroit Construction Co. of Ashland. Notably, Adroit was the sole bidder for the project. Their contract stands at nearly $1.4 million, while the remaining funds cover design, engineering, and playground equipment, which the city will purchase and Adroit will install. The project is slated for completion by December 31, though an earlier finish by fall is possible.
Community Impact and Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Howard Park serves 871 households and nearly 3,000 residents within a half-mile radius. The new pickleball courts are a welcome addition for the community, reflecting the sport’s growing popularity. Councilor Nick Card emphasized the importance of the upgrades in an area with limited park options.
While enthusiastic about the renovations, Card expressed concerns about ongoing maintenance costs. Rosenthal noted that the upgrades are designed with efficiency in mind, particularly the new irrigation system. However, he acknowledged that residents’ desire for restrooms, which increases maintenance needs, was a driving factor in the design. “That’s a fairly standard feature,” Rosenthal said, noting that 23 out of Medford’s 29 parks have restrooms.
Overcoming Funding Delays
Initially scheduled for renovation in 2016, the project faced delays due to funding shortages. “It has waited patiently for its time in the sun,” Rosenthal remarked. A substantial grant of $714,300 from the state’s Local Government Grant Program is now helping finance the renovations.
Medford Parks modernization
The splash pad, a key feature driven by resident surveys, represents a growing trend in park amenities. These installations require regular maintenance, including nozzle and pump replacements. Over the past decade, Medford has invested heavily in its parks, upgrading six parks including Union, Summerfield, Hawthorne, Kennedy, and Bear Creek. Lithia & Driveway Fields in southern Medford and the newly opened Rogue X sports park also highlight the city’s commitment to enhancing recreational facilities.
Future Renovations and Community Input
Looking ahead, Jackson Park is expected to undergo major renovations, following incremental upgrades. Rosenthal emphasized that community input continues to shape park developments, with Howard Park residents voicing strong support for the new splash pad, playground, and restroom. “Splash pads are very popular and near the top of the list of features that people want,” he concluded.
News in Brief: Pickleball Added In Howard Park
Medford’s Howard Elementary School Park is poised for a $2.2-million renovation starting in late July. The project, led by Adroit Construction Co., will introduce New Pickleball Courts, a splash pad, , and various modern amenities. Funded partly by a state grant, the upgrades reflect community input and aim to enhance the park’s appeal. With completion expected by December 31, the project marks a significant investment in local recreation.
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