Potential makeover in works for former recreation hub, possible economic booster for area

SALISBURY, MD.- Acting Wicomico County Executive John Psota hosted a public meeting discussing efforts to revamp the former recreational hub, Harmon Field.

“I’m proudly in support and I want to be able to see what I can do as a county councilman and help make that happen,” said Wicomico County Councilman Josh Hastings.

Those were some of the words used by county officials when it came to giving Harmon Field a new meaning. “We feel really excited about it. This could be a real asset for the community and something we feel would be really necessary,” said Wicomico County Parks & Recreations Director Steve Miller.

What’s now an underused field, could turn into a brand new playground, a second basketball court, and a 12-court pickleball complex. The complex would be the first of its kind in the county.

I’m told, a new sight isn’t the only thing it’ll bring. “In the proximity of Harmon, you have hotels, restaurants, other tennis courts, the Civic Center, and the YMCA where you could really host major regional and national events that would bring people into the community and bring millions of dollars into the community,” said Miller.

The good news for taxpayers, the funding won’t come out of their pockets. Instead, it would come from two sources with one of those helping hands being a $300,000 contribution from the YMCA. “This is the YMCA partnership where they’ll actually be running programming and helping take care of the courts. Also, they can use the facility so its a win-win,” said Hastings.

“That was a huge benefit and a tremendous commitment from the YMCA of how much they believe in the project and really allows us to advance the project even further,” said Miller.

Despite some hesitancy from council members questioning the need for upgrading, county officials say this is something the community truly needs. “I think we’re tapping into something and you saw that tonight with at least over 100 people who came out on a Monday night to a public meeting,” said Miller.

“My dad was a proud pickleball guy before he died, so to me it’s personal but it’s also what the county needs,” said Hastings.

Upgrades also include a public restroom and other amenities to make it a practical space for family use.

The revitalization plan will be presented to the Wicomico County Council tomorrow evening and supporting committees are calling all Pickleball players and other community members to come out and show support.