St. Louis’ New Pickleball Courts at Marquette Park: In a vibrant ceremony that showed the city’s commitment to revitalizing its communities, St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, 3rd Ward Alderman Shane Cohn, and a host of local leaders cut the ribbon on newly renovated basketball courts and newly installed pickleball courts at Marquette Park in Dutchtown.
Transforming Marquette Park
This significant upgrade, funded through the Biden-Harris administration’s American Rescue Plan Act, is part of a broader initiative to breathe new life into Marquette Park and the surrounding areas of Dutchtown and South St Louis. It’s a statement to the city’s dedication to enhancing local recreational spaces and addressing long-standing community needs.
The morning’s event marked the realization of a vision shared by local residents like Ben Robinson and Marcus Haskins, who have long advocated for improvements at Marquette Park through their organization, Allies of Marquette Park. Their dream began with makeshift basketball games on a tennis court, and now, the park boasts two brand-new courts designed specifically for basketball and pickleball.
“This used to be a tennis court where we’d bring our portable hoop and play basketball,” Haskins reminisced. “Seeing it finally come to life is incredibly gratifying. It’s like a piece of our childhood has been brought back.”
Addressing Recreational Needs
Historically, South St Louis has struggled with a shortage of basketball facilities. The new courts at Marquette Park follow recent additions at Tower Grove Park and Forest Park, addressing a significant gap in recreational infrastructure in the area.
The enthusiasm was palpable as local teenagers, including Gary Johnson, 16, and Isaiah Huddleston, 17, expressed their excitement over the new courts. Johnson noted the convenience of having a local court instead of traveling to the YMCA, while Huddleston emphasized the value of having a nearby space to build team chemistry with friends.
“It’s great to have a place just around the corner where we can play,” Johnson said. “It saves us time and makes it easier to stay active.”
Continuing Investments in Community Development
The $200,000 allocation from the American Rescue Plan Act not only funded the resurfacing and renovation of these courts but also contributed to other park enhancements. Mayor Jones announced additional funding for a new fence around the Marquette Pool, a new playground, and investments in affordable housing near the park. These efforts aim to further enrich the community and improve residents’ quality of life.
“These upgrades are about making tangible improvements that our communities can see and feel,” Jones stated. “Parks like Marquette are crucial to building safe, vibrant neighborhoods.”
Alderman Shane Cohn praised the collective effort that made these improvements possible, recognizing the vital role of community involvement and governmental support.
“When community, government, and resources align, we create a healthier, more vibrant community for everyone,” Cohn said.
As the ribbon was cut and the new courts came alive with the sounds of play, it was clear that Marquette Park is not just receiving a makeover—it’s becoming a symbol of the city’s dedication to its residents and their well-being.
News in Brief: St. Louis’ New Pickleball Courts at Marquette Park
St. Louis Mayor Tishaura Jones, 3rd Ward Alderman Shane Cohn, and local leaders inaugurated newly renovated basketball and pickleball courts at Marquette Park in Dutchtown, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act. This $200,000 upgrade, championed by local advocates like Ben Robinson and Marcus Haskins, revitalizes a former tennis court, addressing a long-standing shortage of recreational facilities in South St. Louis. The new courts, alongside additional park improvements such as a new playground and affordable housing investments, reflect the city’s commitment to enhancing community spaces. Mayor Jones emphasized the importance of these upgrades in building vibrant, safe neighborhoods, while Alderman Cohn highlighted the success of collaborative community and governmental efforts.
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