Pickleball Courts Coming to Shirley: Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in America, is making its way to Shirley, Indiana, thanks to a $45,000 grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Hancock County. The grant, part of the foundation’s Ignite program, will fund the construction of two new pickleball courts at Shirley Community Park, scheduled to open next summer. The addition of these courts marks a significant step toward improving fun offerings in the town and providing a space for people of all ages to meet, compete, and socialize.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity and Local Impact
Pickleball has become a phenomenon across the United States, attracting players from various age groups. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, there were 48.3 million pickleball players nationwide in 2023, and that number is rapidly growing.
While the largest group of players is aged 18-34, the sport is also incredibly popular among seniors, making it to a wide range of participants.
In Shirley, the introduction of these courts aligns with the broader national trend, making the community part of the growing pickleball movement.
The new courts will be a welcome addition to the Shirley Community Park, which already offers a variety of amenities such as playgrounds, baseball diamonds, basketball and tennis courts, and a community event building. By adding pickleball courts, the town is enhancing its appeal to residents and visitors alike, giving them a new outlet for fitness, fun, and social engagement.
The Role of the Shirley Community Visionaries
The driving force behind this project is the Shirley Community Visionaries, a nonprofit group dedicated to improving the town’s quality of life. The pickleball courts are just one of many projects spearheaded by the Visionaries to create a more vibrant and inclusive environment for all. Andy Ebbert, board chair of the group, shows that the new courts are part of a broader effort to provide diverse recreational opportunities for people of all ages.
“This project builds on past projects to bring multiple amenities to the park that attract people of different ages and athletic interests. Having a place in town to meet, socialize, compete and play are a large part of what we have been trying to do in the park and our community as a whole.-(Andy Ebbert)
The Visionaries’ efforts are not limited to pickleball; they have also overseen improvements to other areas of the park, that it remains a hub for community activities.
The addition of pickleball courts will serve as another milestone in their ongoing mission to foster connections within the town and attract more visitors to Shirley.
A Community-Driven Transformation
The $45,000 Ignite grant awarded by the Community Foundation of Hancock County is a crucial component of this project.
“community-driven projects and quick-win transformations that foster connection to place, enhance community vibrancy, advance physical and social outcomes, and promote a creative identity.”-(press release)
The grant supports community-driven initiatives that focus on quick transformations, improving physical and social outcomes, and promoting a strong sense of place. According to the foundation, the pickleball courts are a perfect fit for this type of funding.
The grant will cover all aspects of construction, including leveling, compacting, paving the court area, and installing nets and striping.
When completed, the courts will provide a modern and accessible space for local residents to enjoy the fast-moved game of pickleball, adding yet another attraction to Shirley Community Park’s impressive lineup of amenities. Grants are open to civic organizations. For more information or to donate to the Ignite Fund, visit CelebrateHancock.org.
News in Brief : Pickleball Courts Coming to Shirley
In their press release, the Community Foundation expressed pride in supporting a project that will benefit such a wide array of people in the community. By funding projects like this, they hope to advance Shirley’s identity as a welcoming and vibrant place to live and visit.
The new pickleball courts will not only encourage physical activity but also promote social interaction, further strengthening the bonds within the community.
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