Tomball plans $2.3M park upgrade, bringing pickleball courts, splash pad to Jerry Matheson Park

Construction is underway at Jerry Matheson Park as the city of Tomball carries out a $2.3 million upgrade that includes a new play structure, splash pad, pickleball courts and more.

The remodel will add multiple new amenities and enhance the structure of the city-owned park at 1240 Ulrich Rd. in Tomball. City officials said the aging park was in need of updates.

“We’re really excited to provide new amenities to this park and just allow the public to come out and enjoy the open space that Jerry Matheson Park provides,” said Drew Huffman, the director of public works.

Additions to the 10-acre park will include a new loop trail, splash pad and four full pickleball courts.

According to Huffman, pickleball has grown in popularity nationwide and Tomball is no exception, so they felt the courts were an important addition.

“The biggest thing that will benefit the park area is just to give a new playground for kids to play on and a safer area,” Huffman said. “It'll also give more pickleball courts for our population that loves pickleball here in Tomball and a splashpad to cool off at during the summer.”

The upgrade also includes swimming pool, parking lot and baseball field improvements.

The project is being funded in part by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant, along with the city and community partners.

After the TPWD approved the city’s matching grant application, Tomball was awarded $750,000 to go toward the park upgrades. The Tomball Economic Development Corporation is set to contribute $500,000, and the Tomball Regional Health Foundation donated $490,000 for the playground. The city is using $560,000 of its funds for the remodel.

Construction started last week, and the city anticipates the entire project to be completed in late summer.

The city is also fundraising for Juergens Park, which is across the street from Matheson Park. Tomball is partnering with Houston Chick-fil-A to create a new inclusive playground called “Louie's Together Playground.”

raphael.green@chron.com