HUMBOLDT — Water Ridge Park’s new pickleball court is opened to the public and the new playground isn’t far behind, with ground installation planned to be completed and fences removed by mid-August.
Both projects cost just under $200,000, which was fundraised by the Water Ridge Playground Committee. The city contributed $75,000 toward the fund.
“We just noticed that we needed a park in this area of town and this was a big green space that people used for the water park, so we felt that would be a great addition to that area of town,” said Breanna Landry, committee president. “It’s awesome to see. We’re just really excited for people to start using it.”
The playground is designed to have something for all ages. The site designed for younger ages has a playhouse, slides, climbing structures, before gradually building up to equipment for older children and up which has monkey bars and swings.
A grand opening will be held for both the playground and court on Aug. 27. The activities will begin with bouncy castles that will run from 4 until 8 p.m., and a barbeque organized by the Humboldt Co-op at 4:30 p.m. until 6 p.m.
At 6 p.m. an official ribbon cutting will be held followed by a concert with music by Humboldt band Forty Ounce Philosophy. Forty Ounce Philosophy is a cover band, playing a mix of rock, country rock, pop, blues, country, oldies, and standards spanning the rock and roll era (1955 - present).
A pickleball tournament will be held at the event with $5 tickets with limited spot availability. Those interested can sign up at [email protected].
Breanna Landry said the grand opening will mark the committee’s final project for the immediate future.
“As of right now nothing is planned for the committee yet,” she said.
“We’ll see if we decide something else, but right now we’re going to enjoy this project being finished.”
Pickleball equipment can be borrowed from the City of Humboldt at the Uniplex during standard operation hours of Monday to Friday from 6:30 a.m. to 9:30 p.m. and weekends from 8:30 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. There is no fee for signing out equipment.
