The versatile space offers basketball, pickleball, street soccer, and hockey
Martinsville, Va. — The Town of Ridgeway celebrated a ribbon-cutting and dedication of its new athletic park on Monday, May 18. Ridgeway Mayor Craig O’Der said the athletic park is one of the most “exciting and meaningful” projects he’s been a part of in the community.
“I greatly appreciate the investment that we received from The Harvest Foundation and Henry County to help bring this vision to reality,” O’Der said. “It represents an investment in our youth, our families, and the future of recreation in our town. I’m incredibly enthusiastic about what this facility will mean for generations to come.”
The Town of Ridgeway received a $22,000 grant from The Harvest Foundation through its Pick Up the Pace (PUP) Small Grants program. Henry County and the Town of Ridgeway also contributed to the project, which totaled more than $220,000.
Dr. Sandy Strayer, program officer at The Harvest Foundation, said she was thrilled to see this development come to fruition.
“As a Ridgeway native, seeing this type of investment in my hometown is incredibly heartening,” she said. “This new hub represents the heart of true community. Neighbors can meet at the athletic park, children can have a place to gather, play, and learn new skills, and seasoned community members can have a safe place to stay active. We’re proud to partner with Ridgeway and Henry County on a fantastic project that brings immense value to Martinsville-Henry County.”
The park, located on Morehead Avenue by the post office and across from the Dollar General, includes new pickleball courts, basketball goals, and movable goals for street soccer and street hockey, making it a hub for recreation and outdoor opportunities for all ages and abilities.
It also includes a high-tech sports lighting system designed and installed by Triangle Electric. This LED system, along with other security precautions, ensures the athletic courts are safe and accessible for evening use, increasing convenience for local individuals and families.
O’Der added, “After seeing the park daily since the final touches have been completed, the same three words come out of my mouth every time I see it: We Did It!”
Visitors can check out equipment and supplies from the Ridgeway Branch of the Blue Ridge Regional Library. To find out more, visit The Town of Ridgeway on Facebook or call (276) 956-2328.