Submitted photo The current single-purpose courts at Basom Park show age and deterioration. Community leaders expect construction on new courts will begin in September.

RICHFIELD — After years of a single-purpose court at Basom Park offering only the facilities to play tennis, the Richfield Community Center board decided to renovate and improve the space into a multi-purpose court estimated at the excess of $100,000.

“The existing double tennis courts at Basom Park were aging, deteriorating, and limited to just tennis,” shared Brendon Sheeler, the secretary and treasurer of the board of the Richfield Community Center. “We saw this as an opportunity to not only repair the space but also upgrade it into something that serves a wider range of people in our community, across all ages and interests.”

The new court will offer tennis, pickleball, and basketball all in one space, giving the community more options and ensuring that the court is being used more often than a single-purpose court would be.

Construction is scheduled to begin this fall, in the middle of September with a projected completion before winter or maybe early in the spring, pending any weather related delays. Actual steps of the project will include demolition and excavation, base paving, installing ground sleeves and equipment, top coating of pavement, installation of fencing and exposed equipment, then installing surface and lines.

Funding for this project came through various outlets including a grant from the Greenways, Trails and Recreation Program in conjunction with PA Department of Community and Economic Development, seed money from the West Perry Township ARPA Funds in 2022 and fundraising through sponsorships of local businesses.

Sponsorship letters to local businesses with operations in Snyder and Juniata counties were sent out by the board. If they sponsor as a corporate sponsor they receive their business name or logo on permanent signage. Sheeler said they’ve had a “very positive response from local businesses and residents” and they are “confident” they’ll be able to finish strong.

“We’re grateful for the community’s support and excited to see the project take shape,” said Sheeler. “This court will be a lasting improvement to Basom Park and a real asset for the greater Richfield community.”

The goal of the updated court is to “promote health, recreation, and community connection,” according to Sheeler. By offering more ways for people to be active, a space is created for families, friends, and neighbors to come together and enjoy themselves.

A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house is being planned and will be announced upon the completion of the multi-purpose court.