Tomball park adds new court, splash pad

Construction is underway at Jerry Matheson Park as the city of Tomball carries out a $2.3 million upgrade that includes a new play structure, splash pad, pickleball courts and more.

The remodel will add multiple new amenities and enhance the structure of the city-owned park at 1240 Ulrich Road. City officials said the aging 10-acre park was in need of updates.

“We’re really excited to provide new amenities to this park and just allow the public to come out and enjoy the open space that Jerry Matheson Park provides,” said Drew Huffman, the director of public works.

Additions will include a new loop trail, splash pad and four full pickleball courts.

“The biggest thing that will benefit the park area is just to give a new playground for kids to play on and a safer area,” Huffman said. “It’ll also give more pickleball courts for our population that loves pickleball here in Tomball and a splash pad to cool off at during the summer.”

The upgrade also includes swimming pool, parking lot and baseball field improvements.

The project is being funded in part by a Texas Parks and Wildlife Department grant, along with the city and community partners. Tomball was awarded $750,000 to go toward the park upgrades. The Tomball Economic Development Corporation is set to contribute $500,000, and the Tomball Regional Health Foundation donated $490,000 for the playground. The city is using $560,000 of its funds for the remodel.

Construction began last week, and the entire project is expected to be completed in late summer.

The city is also fundraising for Juergens Park, across the street from Matheson Park. Tomball is partnering with Houston Chickfil-A to create a new inclusive playground called “Louie’s Together Playground.”