Councilman Jon Mackey, an avid pickleball player, proposed a cost-effective solution of painting pickleball lines on existing tennis courts to address the increasing demand for these facilities. He highlighted the challenge of finding available pickleball courts within Williamsport, noting the popularity of nearby Short Park in Loyalsock Township where lines are always filled with waiting players. Mayor Derek Slaughter expressed willingness to consider this option.
“I appreciate a regulation size pickleball court but this is the next available option, It is extremely difficult when the weather is nice to play pickleball in the city of Williamsport ” Mackey mentioned
“I would much rather stay in Williamsport but there are not enough places to play. On any given day, Short Park in Loyalsock Township is packed with people standing there waiting to play. I don’t see that level of tennis being played in the city,” he mentioned.
“We can look into that,” Mayor Derek Slaughter mentioned
Resolutions were successfully passed appointing Jamie Livermore as the Director of Finance and Administration, and Valerie Fessler as the Executive Director of the Department of Community & Economic Development.
Additionally, the council authorized an agreement for extra duty employment between the Williamsport Bureau of Police and Williamsport Crosscutters for security during 40 home baseball games. Police Chief Justin Snyder mentioned plans to use American Rescue Plan Act funds to purchase four pursuit-rated vehicles and related equipment. Moreover, M. Fief Gallagher was appointed to the River Valley Transit Authority Board for a five-year term, replacing Marshall Welch.
News in Brief: Williamsport City Council Approves Pickleball Park Upgrades
Williamsport City Council approved Brix Design Group for Elm Park’s $33,360 engineering project, including tennis court resurfacing, pickleball additions, and accessible facilities. Councilman Jon Mackey suggested painting pickleball lines on tennis courts due to high demand, noting Short Park’s popularity. Mayor Derek Slaughter agreed to explore this option. Resolutions appointed Jamie Livermore as Director of Finance, Valerie Fessler as Executive Director of Community & Economic Development, and authorized police for extra duty at 40 baseball games. Police Chief Justin Snyder plans to use American Rescue Plan funds for pursuit vehicles. M. Fief Gallagher joins the River Valley Transit Authority Board.
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