City celebrates new Nienhuis Park fields

The football fields at Nienhuis Park have undergone a major transformation with the recent conversion from natural grass to high-quality synthetic turf. To celebrate this exciting upgrade, the City of Broken Arrow will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Feb. 10, at 1:30 p.m. at 3201 N. 9th St., Broken Arrow.

"The two new turf football fields at Nienhuis Park are a significant enhancement to Broken Arrow's parks and athletic facilities," said Matt Hendren, Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Broken Arrow. "These fields provide a durable, all-weather surface that allows for more consistent scheduling, increased programming opportunities, and safer playing conditions for our youth and community partners."

Professional Engineering Consultants (PEC) designed the project, while Mammoth Sports Construction, LLC served as the construction contractor. The project was completed at a cost of $1,584,739.20.

"We appreciate Broken Arrow voters who made this substantial improvement from grass to synthetic turf at Nienhuis Park possible," said City Manager Michael Spurgeon. "This project was funded by the 2018 General Obligation Bond as an unnamed project, and we were able to use the leftover Proposition 3 funds to complete this project to the benefit of hundreds of kids every year."

Unnamed projects are identified by the City of Broken Arrow as potential improvements. Unlike named projects, they are not required by state law to be completed if the proposition is approved. These projects are considered for completion after all named projects are finished, using any remaining bond funds.

Broken Arrow youth-from kindergarteners to high school seniors-utilize the Nienhuis Park fields for football, lacrosse, and cheerleading through the Broken Arrow Youth Sports organization.

"By enhancing our city's athletic facilities, we're not only improving safety and performance for our players but also reinforcing Broken Arrow as a destination for tournaments and family-friendly recreation that benefits residents and visitors alike," Hendren concluded.