Work is complete and Eastside Memorial Park’s new basketball court is officially open to the public.
The court’s construction is the result of roughly 20 years worth of fundraising and partnerships between the Eastside Community Group and several local agencies including the City of Emporia. During a dedication event Monday afternoon, City of Emporia Vice-Mayor Danny Giefer says he is proud of the new addition and the cooperative efforts that brought it to the community.
The Emporia Community Foundation also helped bring the new court, and several other additions, to the park in recent years. ECF Executive Director Becky Nurnberg says it was no small task as they encountered several roadblocks along the way.
That being said, Nurnberg tells KVOE News when someone has a clear vision and plan, it is nearly impossible to stop them from making it a reality.
Eastide Group President Al Slappy says the new court is more than just a nice addition to the park, its the group’s gift to future generations.
Slappy tells KVOE News while this round of work has concluded, future updates are in the works including the addition of a disc golf course, however, those plans are still in the early stages of development.
