The Team at Willard Parks Reflects on a Successful 2024 and Looks Ahead to 2025
Now that the first weekend of the New Year is in the books, the team here at Willard Parks and Recreation Department celebrates a year filled with significant achievements and milestones. From facility upgrades to innovative programs, we have worked diligently to enhance the quality of life for residents and set the stage for an even more vibrant 2025.
2024 Highlights
• Recreation Center Updates: The recreation center underwent transformative renovations, addressing a leaking roof and upgrading the flooring to create a brighter, more welcoming environment.
• Better Together Playground: The completion of the 10,000-square-foot inclusive Better Together Playground is a testament to our commitment to accessibility. This space invites individuals of all abilities to play, connect, and enjoy the outdoors.
• Baseball Field Enhancements: Improvements to the Parks baseball field addressed drainage issues and uneven surfaces, ensuring a safer, higher-quality experience for athletes and spectators.
• Greystone Disc Golf Course Expansion: The addition of new tee pads and the completion of the 18-hole layout has established the course as a go-to destination for disc golf enthusiasts in the region.
• Afterschool Program Launch: To meet the needs of working families, we introduced an afterschool program, providing safe, enriching care for students and supporting the broader community.
• Willard Aquatic Center Upgrades: Major updates to the aquatic center included the repair and refinishing of the pool basin and the repainting and sealing of the water slides, ensuring safety and enjoyment for years to come.
Looking Ahead to 2025
In 2025, we will continue our mission of providing the highest quality leisure activities, facilities, and services to our community to enhance the health, safety, and quality of life for the citizens of Willard, Missouri. We will also work to foster connection, inclusion, and growth with our community and our local partners. As we focus on community input and thoughtful improvements, we want your feedback in this coming year.
Community Input is Key
We are committed to understanding and meeting the needs of our residents. In 2025, we will focus on gathering input to prioritize programs that are most critical, beneficial, and impactful for children and adults alike.
• Join the Conversation: Residents are encouraged to attend Park Board meetings at 6 PM on the last Thursday of each month at City Hall.
• Share Your Thoughts: Engage with your Alderman to provide feedback on essential programs and opportunities for improvement.
Exciting Plans for Parks and Facilities
• Pond and Aquatic Area Upgrades: Improvements at Jackson Park and the Recreation Center parks will focus on enhancing beauty, improving water quality, and providing natural habitats for local wildlife. These updates will enrich the experience for park visitors while supporting environmental sustainability.
• Bicycle Pump Track: In partnership with the Willard Bike Initiative, we are working to fund and design a pump track to bring this exciting amenity to our community.
Our Commitment to the Community
The Willard Parks team is honored to serve this incredible community. Our highest calling is to provide diverse opportunities for people of all ages and interests, creating programs and spaces that enrich lives and bring people together. We look forward to continuing this mission with energy, passion, and a deep respect for those we serve.
Thank You, Willard!
Your support has made our progress possible. Together, we can build on the successes of 2024 and make 2025 a year of collaboration, growth, and enrichment for all. Stay connected, stay engaged, and let’s continue to shape the future of Willard Parks together!