By OLIVIA BERGMEIER and NATE KING
Salina Post
Oakdale Park has transformed throughout 2023, with one of its extensive renovations opening to the public on Dec. 22 — new pickleball courts.
In June 2023, the Salina City Commission agreed to accept a $470,000 donation from a group of community members to renovate Oakdale Park's existing tennis courts.
Construction began in August 2023, but contractors eventually deemed the tennis court's foundation not structurally sound.
"We ended up deciding to pivot that project instead of doing an overlay," Hammond said. "We ended up demo [demolishing] all of the tennis courts at Oakdale Park and started with a fresh new foundation."
According to Salina Parks and Recreation Director Jeff Hammond, the City of Salina matched some funds at $28,000 for the complete demolition of the courts.
Due to the complete demolition of the original foundation, Hammond said the department expanded the footprint and added a walking path surrounding the courts.
"If we did an overlay, we wouldn't have that opportunity," Hammond said.
Parks and Recreation completed the project only six months after the Salina City Commission approved the renovation, which Hammond said the donors are to thank for.
"We certainly appreciate the donors stepping forward and providing the funds for what they described as a gift to the community," Hammond said. "We hope to have a grand opening event sometime early spring, maybe when the weather gets a little nicer."
The pickleball courts are free to use for any community member and staff plans to only lock the courts' gates during significant community events in the park.
Use of the courts is first come, first serve for community members.