Month: July 2019

FoPP Supports Improvements to Basketball Court and Baseball Field

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Members of Friends of Patterson Park have voted to support improvements to the park’s basketball court and baseball field. These projects would implement the next two priorities in our Neighborhood Park Plan, shade structures (#7) and athletic field/court improvements (#8).

PROJECT 1: Enhance safety and playability of the basketball court

  • Resurface aging blacktop.
  • Replace baskets and add 9 ft baskets on sides of court for youth.
  • Install a shade structure over the blacktop for sun safety.

Health is the cornerstones of this project. Making improvements to the court and adding a shade structure will encourage many more people to use it for physical activity during more hours of the day, especially during warm months. Adding baskets at a rim height appropriate for younger players will encourage youth to play basketball using proper technique.

PROJECT 2: Enhance safety and playability of the baseball field

  • Replace backstop with a larger and angled style backstop.
  • Install a 15′ – 20′ ft. bench for players with shade.
  • Install a small four – five row bleacher for spectators with shade.
  • Install warning and informational signage around the field.

Safety is the cornerstone of this project. Replacing the backstop with an appropriately angled backstop would prevent baseballs from going into the street and the church parking lot. It would also improve pedestrian safety, as foul balls would not threaten walkers or joggers. The shaded seating structures would would give players, their friends and families a place to rest and offer support during hot Texas afternoons. Note that these improvements would make this a better practice field for adults and children, but that it will still not be appropriate for games because there is no netting along the foul lines.

The vote was held online using Google Forms and 55 member voted, with 93% in favor and 7% opposed.  The next steps are to present the projects for to nearby neighborhood associations for approval, and then apply for funding to complete the project. The goal is to install in 2020.