The good news, I suppose, is that help is on the way…read more
Thatcher Park, named after former parks director A.J. Thatcher, is a westside park that began as the Thatcher Community Center located at Grande Avenue and Cossell Road. That location proved to be in the way for a growing Allison Transmission - in 1974, the award-winning A.J. Thatcher building (Thatcher Family Center) was opened on 21.9 acres in its current location.
This location includes sports fields, ample parking, a full gym, activity room, office space, and a deep diving and instructional pool.
Thatcher Park was in the news recently because of a double shooting with one fatality. It's a rare crime in this park, however, as it's typically known as a serene location with an abundance of greenspace.
Thatcher has a playground that is fairly wheelchair friendly, a walking trail, a basketball court, a weight room, and an indoor pool open year-round that offers open swim, swim lessons, and water aerobics.
I've been on a bit of a nostalgia kick lately with my father's recent passing. I spent a good amount of time at Thatcher when I was a kid because it hosted a lot of sports programs for children with disabilities.
I recall swimming, basketball, and other activities.
I visited today, however, I have to say I was at least a little disappointed. The park seemed in some degree of disarray. The building seemed dirtier and in some disrepair. The playground was kind of cool with obvious accessibility options, however, it was also obviously somewhat overgrown.
It wasn't awful. The green areas were still quite cool and the trail seemed rather nice. At least one shelter was in use and there were kids at the playground.
I just thought it seemed very average.
The good news, however, is that help is on the way courtesy of a nearly $1 million grant that will spruce up the park including a new and even more accessible playground, areas for 2-5 and 5-12, a walkway, and more. It should really improve the park.
Thatcher is still right across from Thatcher Golf Course.
Thatcher Park definitely has a lot of potential, however, it's also very much in need of the love it should be getting in the near future. While I have fond memories of my childhood activities here, today's visit left me kind of sad because Thatcher just seems a bit run down and I'm definitely hoping the planned updates will bring this once vital park back to life including, perhaps, a return to being a space for kids with disabilities to gather.