Arrival of New Pickleball Courts: Martinsville, Illinois, is gearing up to introduce pickleball with the upcoming construction of two new courts alongside a basketball facility. The sport’s rapid growth across America has prompted local officials, led by Parks and Recreation Chairman Bob Lovell and Mayor Herman Davidson, to seize the opportunity for community engagement. This initiative, a collaborative effort between the city and schools, aims to provide a recreational outlet accessible to all ages, from children to grandparents, right in their hometown.
As Martinsville, the town prepares to unveil two new courts alongside a fresh basketball facility. The sport’s appeal spans generations, from youth to seniors, making it an accessible and exciting addition to Martinsville’s recreational landscape. Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America over the last four years, so why not have it here?” remarked Parks and Recreation Chairman Bob Lovell enthusiastically.
City officials, in collaboration with local schools, championed the initiative, recognizing the courts as a catalyst for community engagement and outdoor activity. Mayor Herman Davidson underscored the inclusive nature of the project, emphasizing its appeal to both children and adults alike. “It’s not limited to an age group,” Davidson noted, highlighting the opportunity for families and grandparents to participate.
“A lot of this is you know, for the kids and that, but now we can offer something that the adults will be able to participate in.” – (Herman Davidson)
Strategically located near baseball fields and schools for convenient access, these courts eliminate the need for residents to travel to neighboring cities like Terre Haute, Robinson, or Mattoon for pickleball. Superintendent Bob Waggoner highlighted the broader community benefits, envisioning a space where parents can engage with their children in recreational pursuits.
“It is the fastest growing sport in America. It’s something that more community member can use. It’s not really limited to an age group. And one of the things was, we noticed that a lot of our activities here whether it’s summer baseball, softball, there are a lot of parents here watching and they would have the ability to bring their kids over here or just themselves and play, and grandparents as well.” – (Bob Waggoner)
With construction slated to commence within the next 45 days, city officials are confident that the courts’ north-south orientation will optimize playing conditions throughout the day. “It is situated north and south in order to help with the sun,” explained Lovell, reflecting on the thoughtful planning behind the project.
“Definitely will be playing pickleball here as well and one of the things we talked about was in our school curriculum is having our students come up and play, use the court, let them be, you know, used to using that and also having our physical education bring them up here.” – (Bob Waggoner)
As anticipation builds among locals, including educators like Waggoner, who eagerly await integrating pickleball into school curricula, Martinsville prepares to embrace a sport that promises to promote community spirit and active living.
News in Brief: Arrival of New Pickleball Courts
Martinsville, Illinois is set to introduce pickleball with the construction of two new courts alongside a basketball facility, responding to the sport’s rapid growth across the nation. Led by Parks and Recreation Chairman Bob Lovell and Mayor Herman Davidson, local officials are enthusiastic about the community engagement these facilities will foster.
This collaborative effort between the city and schools aims to offer a recreational outlet for all ages, encouraging family involvement and providing convenient access to sports previously only available in neighboring towns. Construction begins soon, promising to enhance Martinsville’s recreational landscape and promote active living among its residents.
