Buchanan Fieldhouse Update, Part Deux
A lot of rumors have been making their way around the pickleball circles concerning whether or not new indoor courts are being built at Buchanan. They are indeed part of the new field house being constructed. A contractor has been awarded the project and funding has been allocated. A budget of 2.5 million dollars was established with a projected shortfall of 500-750,000 dollars, if all amenities and alternatives are provided. The building will be built regardless.
Plans and summary of the project are available on the EPRD website. Currently, approval of permits from Jefferson County are imminent and ground breaking should occur very shortly after permits are issued. The new facility will be adjacent to the skate park along highway 74.
The building will consist of three activity zones. Zone 1: will be basketball, volleyball and room for three multi-use pickleball courts. A synthetic court surface will be used and will be approved by basketball and volleyball as acceptable for their needs. Zone 2: will have three primary use pickleball courts with a playing surface the same as Marshdale and lines only for pickleball. Zone 3: will be a synthetic turf covered area for use by all outdoor sports teams. No courts.
The funding and construction of this facility has been approved by the EPRD Board and numerous alternative plans are being considered for more amenities to be added to the building. Since these alternatives are outside the established budget, some fund raising is required. The more money raised by groups such as ours, the more of the amenities that can be included during the initial construction phase. All sports groups are actively involved in raising money for making this a top tier facility.
EPRD also has plans to expand courts and renovate Wulf; the more money raised will facilitate the revamping of Wulf and accelerate the start and completion of that project. A tireless effort has been made by the EPRD Board and Administrative Staff to acquire grants and other available funding to make these projects become a reality. We can take an active part in helping to fund these projects and expansion of facilities. Donations can be made through the EPRD website and Active4All foundation. The more we give, the more we receive in return. Let’s continue the collaboration and partnership with the Evergreen Park and Recreation District that provides us with the venues that allow us to play the game we all love, up here, in Evergreen.
Any questions, please direct them to the EPC website or to me directly at rckbuilds@msn.com. We will be posting updates as these projects progress.
Bob Kerr
President EPC
PS-To date our members have contributed over $31,000 to this project. Great job all, thank you!
