2014 | Sports Infrastructure Additions
A big feature of Brentwood Park are the three sport courts along the southern boundary of the park near the crushed granite trail. A basketball court, sand volleyball court, and tennis court with pickleball striping provide space for hours of friendly team play. One of the first park amenities, a baseball/softball diamond along the Yates side of the park, was built in the early 1950’s and has wooden bleachers, seating for both teams, and a coach’s scoring table. However, there was little seating near the sport courts, court surfaces and striping were quite weathered and worn, and the chain link fencing at the ballfields was broken and even missing in some areas. With the only water fountain at the pool bathhouse, the western half of the park needed some attention.
FOBP co-founder and team leader Emily Wilson took on the challenge of addressing these shortcomings and submitted project and grant applications to the Austin Parks Foundation, including getting quotes from city-approved vendors to do construction in city parks. The project total was just over $27,000, with a $19,000 grant received from APF. Brentwood Neighborhood Association, Crestview Neighborhood Association, Violet Crown Community Works, and neighbors contributed the remaining funds.
As a result of her ongoing diligence to improving Brentwood Park, the basketball court was resurfaced and striped, and new hoops were installed. The tennis court was refinished and painted and nets and chainlink backstops were replaced. The volleyball court had a new net installed, and the baseball fencing and backstop was replaced. Six new engineered wood benches made from recycled materials were installed on the west side of the basketball and volleyball courts, and also west of the multi-purpose open field. A modern three-tiered water fountain replaced the old concrete and stone fountain and was installed along the new path near the Yates park entrance. This project made a huge difference not only in aesthetics for the park, but for the enjoyment of sport players. These courts are used more than ever today and are a major draw for local families.
