More than 30 people gathered Friday morning for the grand opening ceremony of Church Hill’s first outdoor pickleball courts at J.W. Salley Park.
What used to only be tennis courts is now transformed to six pickleball courts and one tennis court.
“I think it’s going to be good for everybody around here,” Church Hill Mayor Dennis Deal said to the crowd. “We hope you enjoy it.”
He thanked everyone involved in making the courts happen, including the taxpayers.
“We’re investing in the community; it’s what you have to do because it’s the community that really makes it,” Deal said.
The Church Hill aldermen were at the opening, as well.
“I hope everybody enjoys it,” Alderman Keith Gibson said.
“I’m just thankful for a good community surrounding this place,” Alderman Michael Walker said. “You all are why we are able to do this stuff, not just through taxpayer dollars, but the fact that you’ll participate in this. I’m just looking forward to seeing what everybody gets to enjoy.”
City Recorder Kimberly Dobbs cut the ribbon, and the courts quickly filled with people.
She said many people were anticipating the opening, and she expects growing interest in pickleball because of the courts. The age of interest ranged from students wanting an outdoor activity to senior citizens.
“Our senior center has a lot of avid players,” she said, “and that’s why we wanted to make it accessible to seniors, as well.”
She said outdoor projects and activities bring the community together. The pickleball courts make it possible for community members to play in town instead of traveling to Kingsport or Johnson City to play.
USA Pickleball Ambassador Anna Walters was ready to play the minute the ribbon was cut.
“It’s awesome,” she said about the sport.
She said pickleball is for almost anyone, and the popularity is growing.
“The great thing about pickleball is it’s easy to learn,” she said. “You don’t need to spend hours and hours learning it. Secondly, is it’s a low-cost entry. …It’s great for all ages, that’s the big thing.”
The average age of pickleball players used to be in the 60’s, she said, now the average age is 18-34.
“It’s fun, that’s the bottom line,” she said. “You can be very competitive and win, and you can just play to have fun.”
Source: https://www.timesnews.net/news/local-news/church-hill-opens-first-outdoor-pickleball-courts/article_e44a0d00-5677-11ef-acb3-db6763ccf39d.html