New Pickleball Court in Jarratt: The Community Coalition of Sussex celebrated the grand opening of a new dual-purpose outdoor tennis and pickleball court in Jarratt on July 20. Located at 9436 Mayes St., the court marks a significant milestone in the community’s recreational offerings. The project, a long-standing goal of Coalition President Robert Hamlin, finally came to fruition with the court’s completion in June.
Fundraising Success
Hamlin’s vision for the court began in early 2023 with the initiation of grant requests. His efforts were met with substantial support, securing $75,000 from the Greensville Memorial Foundation, $50,000 from the Obici Healthcare Foundation, and $35,000 from the John Randolph Foundation. These funds were instrumental in moving the project from concept to reality.
Positive Community Response
In the brief period since its opening, the new court has received a warm reception from the community. “If you put something new out there, they’ll do something with it,” Hamlin noted. The court has particularly seen enthusiastic participation in pickleball, with visitors from Emporia using the space to introduce newcomers to the sport.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Hamlin is collaborating with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce to organize events aimed at engaging youth in tennis and pickleball. The facility, which is open 24/7, also addresses broader community health concerns. With Sussex and Emporia ranking low in health outcomes according to the 2022 Virginia County Health Rankings, the court aims to provide physical exercise and mental health benefits.
“I walk by here a lot of times and you just see people just sitting out there, not doing anything, just because it’s a nice, calm place to sit.” – (Hamlin)
About the Community Coalition of Sussex
Founded in 2012, the Community Coalition of Sussex is a non-profit dedicated to serving Sussex and Greensville counties. The organization is known for its annual back-to-school events, Thanksgiving meals for seniors, toy drives, and various health and wellness outreach programs. The new tennis and pickleball court is located at the coalition’s Millard and Florence Stith Community Center, further expanding their commitment to community enrichment.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Court in Jarratt
The Community Coalition of Sussex celebrated the opening of a new dual-purpose outdoor tennis and pickleball court at 9436 Mayes St., Jarratt, on July 20. The project, led by Coalition President Robert Hamlin, was funded through grants totaling $160,000 from the Greensville Memorial Foundation, Obici Healthcare Foundation, and John Randolph Foundation.
The court, completed in June, has quickly gained popularity, with strong community engagement, particularly in pickleball. Hamlin is working with the Sussex Chamber of Commerce to host events for local youth. The facility, open 24/7, also addresses health and mental wellness issues in the area. The court is part of the Community Coalition’s broader mission to enhance local health and wellness
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