SHERMAN, Texas — The Sherman City Council has approved two park improvement projects totaling nearly $2 million, including the construction of futsal courts at Hawn Park and a new playground at Old Settlers Park.
The larger of the two projects allocates approximately $1.7 million to build two futsal courts at Hawn Park. Futsal, a form of soccer played on a hard surface similar to a basketball court, has seen growing demand in the community but lacks dedicated facilities anywhere in the area.
“This futsal sport is really becoming more and more popular and there’s nowhere around here to play it,” said Nate Strauch, Sherman’s communications manager, comparing the surge in interest to the pickleball movement from several years ago. Strauch noted that pickleball courts built in response to resident requests are now among the city’s most popular recreation spots.
Sherman resident Denis Paschke said the project would be a positive addition for local families. “I think it’d be fun for a lot of kids because there’s a lot of kids on my street that play soccer,” Paschke said.