Photo and article submitted by Gadsden City
The City of Gadsden broke ground on the latest phase of the Gadsden Sports Park on Thursday as the city continues to improve its premier sports facility.
The new addition, Phase 5 of the overall complex, will include a baseball/softball field, four additional pickleball courts, seating areas with fire pits overlooking the Coosa River, and parking improvements.
“I grew up in this neighborhood, and I’m thrilled to see kids down here playing and to see this Sports Park develop into the facility we have today,” Mayor Craig Ford said. “There are a lot of people who have helped us reach this point, including former Mayor Sherman Guyton and his administration for having this vision, the great partnership we’ve got with Gadsden State Community College, and our employees who work long hours for events.
“Also, none of this would be possible without the current City Council, and we all work well together to make projects like this a success,” Ford said. “I haven’t seen anyone else that has a riverfront facility like this one, and I’m looking forward to continued expansions.”
Previous phases of development at the Gadsden Sports Park have improved recreation opportunities for people of all ages.
The park includes a large soccer field with a flexible configuration from full-size regulation down to youth field sizes, new and renovated baseball/softball fields with a renovated press box, a Champions Field, and a playground that is fully accessible to those with special needs, pickleball courts, a walking trail, and more.
Because the Sports Park is a collaboration between the City of Gadsden and Gadsden State, it is also home to the Cardinals’ baseball and softball complex.
“Phase 5 represents a continued partnership and commitment to making this a premier destination,” said Tonya Latham, Gadsden’s District 1 City Council member. “It emphasizes the commitment of our mayor and our city officials to improving the quality of life in our city for our residents.
“It also means an increased economic impact as we bring in more events, tournaments and visitors,” she said.
Phase 5 of the complex is expected to be completed in October.
