As a result of a Comprehensive Park System Usage and Needs Study, completed by Landplan Engineering in 1991, the City of Gladstone retained Landplan to design and prepare construction documents for the improvement of Happy Rock Park. The programming and master planning emphasis for this 80-acre park included the upgrade and intensification of softball and soccer/football uses, as well as parking to meet the high demand of the City’s only existing sports complex.

Improvements included a fully-lit adult 5-plex softball complex with irrigated outfields and specially designed infield soil, as well as a restroom/concession building; an accessible playground; four lighted tennis courts; one outdoor basketball court; four youth soccer/football fields; and a one- mile pedestrian/nature trail.

The lighted softball complex is situated below a wooded hillside and along the banks of Shoal Creek to minimize intrusions on the neighbors along Antioch Road. Vehicular and pedestrian circulation was strictly arranged to provide efficient and safe access, as well as to separate sporting and passive uses within the park.