New pickleball courts and basketball courts complete at Mill Stream Park in Liverpool Township

LIVERPOOL TWP. — Liverpool Township residents can now start playing on the three new pickleball courts and basketball court at Mill Stream Park. Trustee Sean Lackey said the project took about three years from its start to completion. The basketball court was an overhaul of the former court, while the pickleball courts are an addition to the park. "The basketball court was damaged from all the years of flooding," he said. "We made sure that both the pickleball and basketball courts were completed with a drainage system that would help drain water down, so it won't get underneath the asphalt and cause it to bend, contract and crack." American Rescue Plan Act funds were put toward the project, but the township did not respond by Wednesday evening regarding the approximate cost for the courts. In July 2024, Fiscal Officer Debbie Gillin said the township was initially given $568,000 in ARPA funding. Lackey said the township also put ARPA funds toward turnout gear for the fire department and a squad car, which will be used by the Medina County Sheriff's Office to patrol the township. "We spread it around to make sure that there was a benefit to all the different areas that needed it," he said. One intention of ARPA funding was to help people improve their health and health awareness, Lackey said. The purpose of the courts was to encourage people to come out and exercise. "I want the residents to have a place where they can enjoy getting together with other people and play and exercise in a way that provides enjoyment," he said. "I want people to be healthier." Lackey thanked the other trustees, the township's maintenance department and Vasel Bros. Inc. for their involvement in the project. "Thanks to the community for being patient," he said. "There really hasn't been anything done like this in a while, and we're very proud of it. We want people to use it, enjoy it and be proud of it." Contact reporter Madisyn Woodring at (330) 721-4049 or mwoodring@medina-gazette.com.