The uptown basketball court is being redone and will have several new additions to accommodate citizens' requests, according to Gary TeSelle, Milford’s maintenance superintendent.
TeSelle said the construction took place a week into July and that construction should be done sometime during the week of July 20.
This court revamp comes after safety concerns were raised from cracks in the foundation, potential falling incidents of those playing at the park and to add handicap-accessible entryways. On top of this, potentially up to six pickleball courts will be added, TeSelle said.
These renovations will cost $50,000, according to TeSelle, however grant money will partially fund this construction if it is received, according to Jeanne Hoggins, Milford’s city clerk.
The city applied for the Walter Scott Family Foundation Grant, which would partially cover construction costs as well as revamp landscaping, sod, playground equipment and make updates to the library, Hoggins said.
TeSelle said these renovations will help ensure the longevity of the court and prevent any cracks from appearing in the near future.
“There's a lot of substructure stuff that has to go into it to keep it from cracking and causing some of the same problems that we had in the past,” TeSelle said. “(It’s) a whole bunch of things that are a little more expensive than just putting a concrete slab down.”
TeSelle said the additions will benefit not only those using the courts to play, but also those attending other events and performances that are held in the park such as Milford Fun Days.
TeSelle said the main reason for the construction was, once again, from safety concerns and making sure the park was safe for attendees.
“The liability is probably a big part of it, but also it's a one that the citizens kind of wanted too,” TeSelle said.