Upgrades on tap for west Columbus park

COLUMBUS, Ohio ( WCMH ) — Some major upgrades for outdoor courts at Westgate Park are on the way with a more than $1 million project.

The park has a long history with the sport of handball. Three-walled handball courts had been there for about 50 years, according to local players. They were demolished earlier this year after engineers determined they were not structurally sound or safe.

"Fifty years later, the courts crumbled, the cement, and so now we're in a transition period from my understanding," said Cliff Wadas, a local handball and racquetball player.

Wadas played at the courts for decades. He said he and other players have been working with the city on what comes next for the space, which right now is an empty concrete slab.

Columbus City Council, at its most recent meeting, approved about $1.2 million for new handball and pickleball courts.

"We heard their requests and we were able to provide that not only to improve it, but to enhance it and give them a little bit more than what they asked for, so we're excited that they're excited," Community Relations Chief for Columbus Recreation and Parks Department Dominique Shank said. "We're happy to be able to finally get this project off and running."

There are not many three-walled courts in the state, according to the city and Wadas.

Wadas said players were going to Cincinnati and Toledo to train. He's looking forward to when the new courts are done and hopes they bring new players, too.

"You always feel good at the end of the day when you're done playing," he said. "You're sweating a lot, you're a little bit sore but you feel good, and you wake up the next day and you can't wait to come back out again and do it all over."

The courts are expected to be done in the summer of 2025. The pickleball courts will be the first dedicated pickleball courts in the greater Hilltop area, according to the city.

The walls of the old courts had murals. Shank said the plan is to bring the art back, it's just not determined exactly where it will be.