Ave Maria’s North Park expansion: New sports fields, pickleball courts and playground upgrades
Ave Maria’s North Park is set for a major transformation in the coming months, with several new additions and upgrades designed to enhance recreation opportunities for residents of all ages. From new sports fields to pickleball courts and playground improvements, the expansion project promises to revitalize this popular community hub.
One of the most anticipated changes is the addition of two new sports fields: a dedicated Little League field and a full-sized softball field; just mirroring the land behind the current two ball fields. These fields are expected to break ground soon, with the project slated for completion by Spring 2025.
Ave Maria Little League’s board of directors’ president, Lawayne Cheney, expressed his enthusiasm for North Park’s soon additions, “I’m really looking forward to the day when our softball teams and little league players will be able to practice and play together in the same park. These new fields will help accommodate our growing league, as in-season, we are close to 150 players. There’s a growing interest for recreational sports in Ave Maria, particularly for families and their involvement in youth sports leagues, so we so very much welcome how these improvements will expand our efforts with young residents wanting to play ball.”
In addition to the new fields, the park’s two existing ball fields will also receive significant upgrades, including improved drainage systems, new sod and refurbished infields. These upgrades aim to provide better playing conditions and enhance the overall sports experience.
Adding to the community’s current pickleball amenities, twelve new pickleball courts with seating and lights will be added to the park design. For families with young children, there’s exciting news regarding North Park’s tot lot. Work began to remove the former playground equipment in the tot lot. This much-needed overhaul will feature new, modern play structures. As the old equipment is removed and the new pieces installed, a portion of the playground will be closed temporarily, but the project is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2025. This upgrade is part of the ongoing effort to improve North Park as a family-friendly destination for all ages.
Kim Twiss, executive director for the Ave Maria Master Association (AMMA), emphasized the importance of the tot lot renovation, “The renovation of the tot lot was absolutely necessary, because as our community grows, it’s essential that we provide up-to-date, accessible playground equipment. This new tot lot is bright and provides a lot of interaction for youngster’s curiosities.”