By Taylor Boyd
A ribbon-cutting ceremony was held on Monday, May 18, to celebrate the opening of Ridgeway’s new outdoor recreation facility.
Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der said the facility is intended to be more than an athletic park.
“This story truly begins with Sadie Clark, who was a proud resident of Ridgeway and lived on this property for 74 years,” O’Der said. “After her passing, her children, Leon and Phyllis, honored her wishes by removing the home that was on this property and wanted to see this property repurposed for the benefit of the community.”
The property now includes courts and spaces for basketball, pickleball, street soccer and street hockey.
“It will be a place where children will learn teamwork, where friends compete and laugh together, and where families gather for years to come,” O’Der said.
O’Der said the project was made possible through collaboration between the Town of Ridgeway, Henry County and the Harvest Foundation.
“Without everybody’s support, we wouldn’t be standing here today celebrating this accomplishment,” he said.
Henry County Supervisor Travis Pruitt, who represents the Ridgeway District, said the facility represents new opportunities, new memories, and a stronger sense of community in Ridgeway.
“This park was built by teamwork, vision, the people coming together with a shared goal of investing in our future,” Pruitt said. “These courts are for everyone — our youth learning the game for the first time to seasoned players, families coming together to spend time together, or neighbors simply enjoying being active outdoors.”
Pruitt said athletic facilities often become gathering places that help strengthen communities.
“They create friendships, mentorships, healthy lifestyles and community pride,” he said. “This project truly represents what happens when a community works together.”
Board of Supervisors Chairman Jim Adams, of the Blackberry District, said the facility reflects the effort and pride of many community members.
“What you see here today is a will and determination of a number of folks wanting to see not only revitalization efforts here in Ridgeway, but to display a quality sports park that all can be proud of,” Adams said.
Harvest Foundation Program Officer Sandy Strayer said the facility highlights the value of collaboration.
“This is an important place because it’s a place where community members can gather, get physical activity which will improve their health, but also a place where they can come together and communicate and connect,” Strayer said.
To help residents try new sports without purchasing equipment, Ridgeway Branch Librarian Amy Bunn said sports equipment will be available for checkout at the Ridgeway library.
Items available will include basketballs, pickleballs and paddles, soccer balls and other equipment.
“I also will be making all this stuff available for checkout for a period of 24 hours or so or however long you need to play, we haven’t worked out the details exactly yet,” Bunn said.
Bunn added that she plans to purchase instructional books on pickleball for library patrons.
