Wetzel County’s New Indoor Pickleball Haven: Wetzel County officials will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony on April 15 to celebrate the opening of new indoor pickleball courts at the Wetzel County 4-H Grounds in New Martinsville. The public is invited to attend the event, which begins at noon and will feature refreshments and a pickleball demonstration.
A New Multi-Purpose Facility
The new indoor courts replace the old Gamble Shelter, which had deteriorated to the point of being unsafe. Bengy Swanson, project coordinator for the Wetzel County Commission, said the decision to replace the structure was made to create a space that could be used year-round.
“The original Gamble Shelter was deteriorating to the point that safety was becoming a concern, therefore the Wetzel County Commission decided to raise the existing shelter and replace it with the new one,” he said.
Swanson explained that the previous structure was an open-air pavilion with no walls, limiting its use to summer months. The new facility, however, can host pickleball, basketball, and other events throughout the year. In warmer months, the doors can be opened to accommodate open-air activities, festivals, and fairs.
Community Excitement and Construction Details
The project cost approximately $150,000, with JDR of Wadestown, W.Va., handling the building shell and A&L Concrete of Pine Grove installing the concrete floor. Jack Cartwright painted the pickleball court lines, and the Wetzel County Commission maintenance department completed additional interior and exterior work.
Lori Wykert, events and planning coordinator for the Wetzel County Commission, said the facility is a valuable addition to the community.
“The commission is excited to bring this opportunity to Wetzel County as pickleball is an incredible way to get low-impact exercise and improve health,” she said. “Pickleball also has a following that spans many age groups; we look forward to watching all residents learn, enjoy, and benefit health-wise from this popular recreational team sport.”
The Wetzel County 4-H Grounds are located at 38 4-H Camp Road in New Martinsville. Those interested in attending the event are asked to RSVP by April 10 by calling 304-266-1607 or emailing lwykert@wetzelwv.com. There is a rental fee for using the new courts.
News in Brief: Wetzel County’s New Indoor Pickleball Haven
Wetzel County will celebrate new indoor pickleball courts at the 4-H Grounds in New Martinsville with a ribbon-cutting on April 15. The $150,000 project replaces a deteriorating shelter. The event starts at noon with refreshments and a demonstration. RSVP by April 10 to attend. The courts are available for rent.
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