Pickleball Fever Sweeps Jefferson County: Pickleball has grown rapidly in Jefferson County over the last decade, thanks to community leaders like Jim Berger, 78, of Crystal City. Since 2015, when Festus approved converting a recreational site into pickleball courts, the sport has become a major attraction at Jokerst Park and across the county.
A Small Start Sparked a Big Movement
Jim Berger began playing pickleball in 2014 at the YMCA in Festus with just four players. That number rose to 60 within six months. Seeing a need for more space, players looked to repurpose the old tennis and skateboard courts at Jokerst Memorial Park.
“We started playing pickleball in 2014 at the YMCA in Festus with about four players. That number jumped to 60 in about six months.” – (Berger)
Festus officials allowed the group to use the space in the spring of 2015. It became Missouri’s first public pickleball facility. Berger and other volunteers patched cracks and opened six playable courts by June 15.
“I had played pickleball in Indiana at an old court they fixed up. I knew they could do it at the Jokerst skateboard area. We went to the Festus City Council in May of 2015.” – (Berger)
“Larry Crites (the Festus parks director at the time) was there. He saw the possibility. He said he didn’t have money in the budget, but we could have the courts. The next day we (pickleball playing volunteers) were patching the cracks. We had it playable by June 15 (that year).” – (Berger)
A Community Hub Grows Over Time
Interest in pickleball only increased. The Jokerst Park courts saw continuous upgrades and were later renamed the “Jim and Michelle Berger Pickleball Courts” to honor Berger and his wife Michelle, 77.
In June 2024, Festus completed a $526,800 renovation of the courts. The updated facility now has eight courts, better lighting, improved parking, and is free to play.
“These are state-of-the-art pickleball courts. You can’t make them better than this as far as outside courts. And, they’re free to play.” – (Berger)
Although strong winds damaged some fencing on March 14, the courts remained unharmed.
Pickleball Across Jefferson County
Besides Jokerst Park, indoor pickleball is played at the Jefferson County YMCA and Arnold Recreation Center. Outdoor courts are also available in De Soto’s Melkus Park and the High Ridge Civic Center.
“There are groups that come from Ste. Genevieve, Cape Girardeau, Jackson, even Carbondale. They’ll come for the competition.” – (Berger)
Jokerst Park alone saw 25,000 visits in 2024 from players across 28 states. Berger expects that number to rise to 30,000 in 2025.
“It had 25,000 visits in 2024 (based on tournaments). I expect there to be 30,000 this year.” – (Berger)
Players Share Why They Love the Game
Local and visiting players say the game’s simplicity and welcoming community are major draws.
“I think pickleball is still popular because anybody can play and it’s a nice group of people,” said Daisy Shepard of Desloge.
“It’s great for everyone,” added Hatti Walter of House Springs.
“I think the social aspect of it, meeting people,” said Tim Werner, 68, of Barnhart. “I moved back to this area after 25 years. It helps you make friends.”
“I think it allows all the age groups to play,” said Mike Lawhorn, 76, of Festus.
Tony Hoang, 51, of Crystal City, trained at Jokerst Park and was drafted into the National Pickleball League in 2024. He plans to try out again this season.
What’s Ahead for Pickleball in the Area
The Jefferson County Pickleball League is offering free clinics at Jokerst Park on April 15, 22, and 29 from 6–8 p.m. Equipment will be provided. Reservations can be made.
Berger is helping organize the Twin City Firecracker Festival Larry Crites Memorial Pickleball Tournament set for June 25–29 at Jokerst Park.
Another event, the Spring in Pickleball Round Robin tournament, will take place this weekend, April 11–13, also at Jokerst Park, starting at 8 a.m. each day. Registration is closed, but the public is welcome to watch for free.
“If it wasn’t for Larry, (the pickleball boom in the county) would not have come about.” – (Berger)
News in Brief: Pickleball Fever Sweeps Jefferson County
Pickleball has risen in Jefferson County since 2015, starting with courts at Jokerst Park in Festus. Led by Jim Berger, the sport now boasts upgraded facilities, 25,000 annual visits, and major tournaments. Free clinics continue this month, and two big tournaments are scheduled for April and June at Jokerst Park.
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