GAINESVILLE CITY PARK IMPROVEMENTS: New pickle ball, tennis courts complete; walking trail and other updates in progress


The new Gainesville City Park logo was designed by local artist Abby Britt.

Old, run-down tennis courts get a facelift... The tennis courts, which had fallen into disrepair over the years, were recently renovated and updated. The new courts were resurfaced and painted and new nets were installed. The area now features a full-sized tennis court on one side and four pickle ball courts on the other side. Pickle ball is a sport that combines elements of badminton, ping pong and traditional tennis. Those interested in using the courts should bring their own sports equipment. There is no installed seating at the courts, so a lawn chair is recommended for those planning to watch others play. Overhead lights have been installed and operate on a timer, allowing games to be played at dark.

The old tennis courts

A volunteer works here to help clear a path through the woods for the new trail addition.

Lots of help The Ozark County Wellness Committee says the updates couldn’t have been made without the help of several volunteers, including the GHS ag classes under the direction of teacher Jon Wilson, who helped put down timbers along parts of the new trail.

New signage In late April, D&D Signs installed a sign at the entrance of the Hoerman Memorial Park, located off Highway 160 near the Gainesville Elementary School, informing visitors of the committee’s upcoming plans. The Gainesville City Park logo was designed by local artist Abby Britt.

Those who use the courts are encouraged to send photos to the Ozark County Wellness Committee’s Facebook page. This group recently enjoyed the courts for a day of pickle ball. Pictured from left: Lain McCanless, Penny Britt, Abby Britt, Gene Britt, Aspyn McCanless and Blake Hobbs.

New, longer trail Over the last several months, many volunteers have worked to create a new, longer trail that will connect to the already existing track and road that surrounds the city park, creating a 1-mile loop. The new section of the trail extends into a wooded area that was once used for the school’s fall festival spook walk area and extends up behind the Gainesville High School greenhouse.

The Ozark County Wellness Committee, a group of community members whose mission is to help make Ozark County healthier through physical activity and other means, has been making progress on the Hoerman Memorial Park renovations and additions. The project, announced last fall, is being funded through a variety of grants and local donations. 

The following updates have been made in addition to the renovations that were completed last fall. Those included the restoration of the basketball courts through resealing the courts, installing new goals, heavy duty trash cans and picnic tables for spectators. 

The Ozark County Wellness Committee is currently accepting donations to help fund continuing improvements to the park. To help, make checks payable to Ozark County Wellness Committee and mail to Ozark County Health Department, P.O. Box 180, Gainesville, MO 65655, or call the OCHD at 417-679-3334 to arrange donation details. 

To follow along with their progress, “like” the Ozark County Wellness Committee’s Facebook page. 

Ozark County Times

504 Third Steet
PO Box 188
Gainesville, MO 65655

Phone: (417) 679-4641
Fax: (417) 679-3423