JARRETT GOODMAN
Staff Writer
Moore Park, one of South Pittsburg’s public recreational sites, has recently received new additions, as well as major makeovers.
The project was financially supported under grant funds received from the state’s Project Diabetes program, with work kicking off in April via the repaving of the basketball court. Upon being sworn in office in April, City Administrator Michael Hudson discovered unused funds from the program. And after inspecting and discovering Moore Park in relative disrepair, he decided to utilize the funds in cleaning up and restoring the park to a far more usable state.
Among the first tasks taken was to repave the basketball court. According to Hudson, the court was in such disrepair that upon first glance, he felt it was outright unplayable. After getting the opportunity to utilize the remaining funds, consisting of less than $150,000, work to repave the court quickly began. In addition to pavement, two new basketball goals were added alongside three brand new pickleball courts. The three courts were added as part of public mention from citizens of the community.
“We got new netting for the pickleball courts. They just have to be installed. And we spent roughly about $50,000 of the grant to resurface this, for it was in horrible condition,” said Hudson.
Additionally, a brand new fitness station, music themed playground equipment and swing set were added to Moore Park via the grant money. New fixtures include toilets and plumbing for the restrooms, as well as two new park benches for the public to use. One of the benches are handicapped accessible. A water station was also installed, alongside new trash receptacles within the park.
The baseball field received similar treatment, with new benches, bleachers and bases ordered and installed, while landscaping was conducted in and around the entire field. New backstops were also installed for the field as well.
Upon the finishing touches for Moore Park being made, plans to move forward and begin work on Loyd Park is also in the works. Among one of the projects to be done is to overhaul Playground Paradise in Loyd Park, a large children’s playground that has physically deteriorated with use and time. However, work on Loyd Park can only begin once proper funding and community support is met.
“The idea is to now, once we button this up here, focus our attention at Loyd Park. And the idea is to do that with grant money, with support of our local businesses or manufacturing, and on top of that the city,” explained Michael.
All aforementioned features to Moore Park has since been installed and ready to be utilized by residents of South Pittsburg and the surrounding area. All city officials and public workers wish for all citizens to respectfully keep Moore Park clean and maintained for both longevity of the new equipment, as well as for overall public enjoyment.