New Pickleball Courts Coming To Mississippi: As the popularity of pickleball surges across the nation, new pickleball courts coming to Mississippi with in locations, Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis are the Hotspots, stepping up to meet the demand with plans for new courts this year.
“It’s getting huge,” said Bret Bentz, Pass Christian’s recreation director. His phone has been buzzing with requests as more locals embrace the sport. “So many people wanted it. They’re pumped up.” Each city will construct two courts, with expectations to open them this fall. These courts will add to the growing network of facilities along the Coast, joining additional projects underway in Biloxi.
While pickleball has garnered enthusiasm, it’s not without its challenges. Other regions have seen disputes and lawsuits over the distinctive sounds generated during play. However, local leaders report no signs of similar issues in this area.
“The citizens started asking for them,” said Bay St. Louis councilman Gene Hoffman, whose ward consists the new courts. He noted that there have been no concerns voiced by neighboring residents.
New Public Pickleball Courts at Bay St. Louis
By the end of October, two public courts will be available at McDonald, Park Bay St. Louis. Hoffman indicated that the city has plans to expand to six outdoor courts in the future, with construction commencing in June.
The decision to build these courts was driven by community requests and a commitment to enhancing recreational opportunities. Although lines were previously drawn on a local tennis court, these will be the city’s first official pickleball courts.
New Public Pickleball Courts at Pass Christian
In Pass Christian, two new courts are being constructed on Second Street, directly across from War Memorial Park. Bentz mentioned that construction began recently and is expected to wrap up in two to three months. The city will also install lights, aiming for a fall opening.
In the last three years, many local players have been utilizing the nearby tennis courts. “It just started catching on,” remarked Marie Lamb, Pass Christian’s senior citizens director. The city secured a $20,000 grant from AARP to fund the construction of these pickleball courts.
Bentz envisions organizing tournaments for players of all ages, with the courts operating on a first-come, first-served basis.
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts Coming To Mississippi
Pass Christian and Bay St. Louis are responding to the rising popularity of pickleball by constructing new courts. Each city will open two courts by fall, with Pass Christian’s courts located on Second Street and Bay St. Louis’ at McDonald Park.
Plans for future expansions include six additional courts in Bay St. Louis. Local leaders, including Pass Christian’s recreation director Bret Bentz and Bay St. Louis councilman Gene Hoffman, highlighted community demand as the driving force behind these projects. Despite national noise-related controversies, there have been no local complaints. Pass Christian received a $20,000 AARP grant for their courts, with plans to host tournaments.
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