Moreland Park Pickleball Expansion: The Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department will add pickleball courts at Moreland Park while preparing to bid out the larger Ben Hawes pickleball complex in May. The city is responding to the sport’s growing popularity and strong community fundraising support.
New Courts Planned at Moreland Park
City Parks Director Amanda Rogers said the department will build new basketball courts across the street from Moreland Park. That move will allow for pickleball courts at the park’s current basketball court site.
“We have been looking at other locations to have pickleball in the community.”-(Amanda Rogers)
“It would be nice to have one or two locations for young people who don’t drive.”-(Amanda Rogers)
Rogers said the decision to move the basketball courts was based on visibility and community behavior. The new courts will be placed near the intersection of West Parrish and Hickman avenues.
“Sometimes, you get passionate people (playing basketball in Moreland Park) and they use foul language and trash talk, and it doesn’t blend well with the nearby T-ball field or the tennis courts.”-(Amanda Rogers)
The basketball courts at Legion Park served as a model.
“It’s in a high-traffic corner, and we have very little issues there.” -(Amanda Rogers)
Future Plans for Chautauqua and Ben Hawes
Parks staff are also exploring the idea of adding pickleball courts to Chautauqua Park.
“For right now, it’s just an idea in the can for consideration.” -(Amanda Rogers).
Meanwhile, plans for the multi-court pickleball complex at Ben Hawes Park are nearly ready. City officials hope to begin accepting bids from contractors next month.
“That’s my hope. We are waiting on the final construction drawings to come back.”-(Amanda Rogers)
The city has pledged up to $1 million for the Ben Hawes complex. River City Pickleball is raising $500,000 to receive a 2-to-1 match from the city. So far, fundraising is on track.
Community Support Fuels Progress
Alex Ross of River City Pickleball said the group’s fundraising effort has received major support.
“We are in really good shape, It has been well-documented that the club is responsible for that $500,000 to be eligible for that $1 million from the city. We are over half-way there. We have been fortunate to have corporate backing from Owensboro businesses. We have had a lot of good support on the corporate side, and generous benefactors.”-(Alex Ross)
Thirteen sponsors have secured naming rights for parts of the new facility. Ross added that River City Pickleball is still looking for a lead sponsor.
“Finding a sponsor that would contribute to having its name on the complex would be transformational for the project.” -(Alex Ross)
Ross noted the group has not yet asked its members to donate and plans to share final designs with them soon.
“We’re excited. We have had nothing but positive conversations with the partners who are going to be working with us.” -(Alex Ross)
Growing Popularity and Long-Term Benefits
Pickleball is expanding quickly, and city leaders are working to meet demand. The sport is now popular at colleges and among younger residents. The additions at Moreland and Ben Hawes will give residents more access to the game and create new recreational spaces across the city. Once construction begins, the facilities will offer more court time and better locations for players of all ages and skill levels.
News in Brief: Moreland Park Pickleball Expansion
Owensboro will add pickleball courts at Moreland Park and move its basketball courts nearby. The city also plans to bid the Ben Hawes complex next month, backed by $1 million in city funds and strong community support. River City Pickleball’s fundraising campaign has already secured over half its $500,000 goal.
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