The project will bring several enhancements to the park located at 422 SW 2nd Avenue

The city of Battle Ground will hold a ceremonial groundbreaking beginning at 10 a.m. on Monday (July 8), for several much-anticipated improvements to Kiwanis Park. 

The project will bring several enhancements to the park located at 422 SW 2^nd Avenue, which includes the installation of a new covered picnic shelter, six pickleball courts, covered basketball court, and replacement of several light posts on the east side of the park property.

Picnic Shelter:  Originally installed in 2006, the existing open top gazebo was removed from Kiwanis Park on June 26^th to make way for the new closed top picnic shelter.  The new structure will provide shade and shelter from the weather, while the open-sided design will provide park goers with better visibility of surrounding park amenities. 

Pickleball Courts:  The six pickleball courts are installed at the southeast corner of the park, where the basketball courts are currently located.  Boosting the appeal for year-round use, a covered shelter, complete with lighting, will be constructed over the courts to shield players from the elements while providing adequate lighting as they play. 

Additionally, a wall and additional trees will be planted along the south edge of the pickleball courts, better insulating the nearby neighborhood from sound emanating from the courts.  Preliminary plans for a mural to be placed on the sound wall will be prepared and considered by the City’s Parks & Community Engagement Advisory Board (PACE) and City Council at a future date. 

Basketball Court:  A brand new, covered, basketball court will be constructed at the northeast corner of the park.  Like the pickleball courts, the new basketball court will include lighting to ensure adequate visibility for park goers.  Although the installation of the new basketball court structure will require the removal of the existing horseshoe pits, careful consideration was given to the design and placement and no trees will need to be removed to accommodate this new park feature. 

Lighting:  Included in this project will be the replacement of 15 outdated or damaged light poles in various locations on the east side of the park property. 

In addition to the improvements at Kiwanis Park, the City Council has approved funding to install a similar picnic shelter in McConnell Park, located at 918 NW 25^th Avenue.  The $1.2 million dollar project is fully funded by the city’s General Fund and Park Impact Fees.   

“This investment in our City’s parks represents the Council’s commitment to creating and maintaining a sense of place for our residents and enhancing the quality of life here in Battle Ground,” said Mayor Troy McCoy. 

A majority of the project is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.  Due to procurement delays, the lighting portion of the project is expected to carry into the beginning of 2025.  Sections of the park may be restricted from public access throughout the course of construction. Additional information and ongoing project updates are available on the city’s website at www.cityofbg.org/ParkProjects. 

Information provided by the city of Battle Ground.