Perry Village Rallies for Pickleball Courts: Perry Village will hold a public meeting on April 10 at 6:30 p.m. to gather support for building two new pickleball courts at Lee Lydic Park. The meeting will take place at Village Hall, 3758 Center Road, before the regular Village Council meeting at 7 p.m.
The village is applying for a NatureWorks Grant through the Ohio Department of Natural Resources. If approved, the funding will help pay for new courts, fencing, seating, and accessible pathways in the park at 3954 Call Road.
Residents Asked to Speak Up
The Village Grant Committee is encouraging residents, business owners, and other stakeholders to attend the meeting and share their support for the project. Community involvement is a key part of the grant application process.
“Community participation and feedback are important components of the NatureWorks Grant process,” said Village Councilwoman Ashley Hacking, who chairs the Grant Committee and the Parks and Recreation Committee.
Hosting a public meeting is one of the requirements for the NatureWorks Grant application. Hacking said, “We are hopeful that the meeting will serve as an opportunity for residents to show their support and contribute to a shared vision for improving recreational amenities within the village.”
Grant Committee Leads the Way
The Grant Committee was formed to guide the village through the NatureWorks Grant process. Members include Fiscal Officer John Roskos, Parks and Recreation Committee members Pam Jenkins and Barb Howley, and Mayor James Gessic, in addition to Hacking.
“Its purpose is to coordinate efforts related to planning, community engagement and preparation of all required documentation for the grant,” Hacking said.
Earlier this year, the committee invited residents to write letters supporting the pickleball courts. A survey was also posted on the Perry Ohio Community Facebook Page in late 2024. The goal was to show there is a strong need and desire for the project.
Next Steps and What’s Ahead
The deadline to submit the grant application is June 2. If approved, the project will bring new recreation options to the village and help create a more inclusive, active space for residents of all ages.
Support from the public meeting could play an important role in moving the project forward.
News in Brief: Perry Village Rallies for Pickleball Courts
Perry Village will host a meeting on April 10 to discuss plans for new pickleball courts at Lee Lydic Park. The event aims to gather public support for a grant application to fund the project. Residents are encouraged to attend and voice their thoughts ahead of the June 2 deadline.
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