Lavaca Opens New Pickleball Courts: Lavaca will officially open its new pickleball courts with a ribbon-cutting and naming ceremony at 10 a.m. Saturday behind the Lavaca Municipal Complex at 808 West Main Street. The park will be named the Ron Pawley Jr. Sports Complex in memory of Ron Pawley Jr., a 1996 Lavaca High School graduate.
Honoring a Local Hero
Ron Pawley Jr. was a kicker on the Lavaca High School football team and later served in the United States Marine Corps. He passed away on October 21, 2012, in Cincinnati, Ohio. His family and the city wanted to honor his memory in a meaningful way. Ron Pawley Sr. shared how much it meant to his family.
“Our son was proud to be from Lavaca, and his family members who live here are happy to see him remembered this way. It is very nice to have his name on a recreational facility that young people and the young at heart can enjoy for many years to come. He would have liked this a lot.” – (Ron Pawley Sr.)
New Courts and Park Details
The park includes four new pickleball courts, a basketball court, a picnic pavilion, and a playground. The new complex replaces the city’s former tennis facility. The total cost of the project was over $130,000. Lavaca Mayor Hugh Hardgrave said the project will help bring more people to town.
“We believe Lavaca residents deserve a quality sports facility that serves most people. Pickleball is that kind of sport. We anticipate growth in our community over the next few years, and this recreational amenity will help attract new families to live here,” Mayor Hardgrave said.
Community Celebration and Extras
After the ribbon-cutting, Big Creek Fire Department will hand out free hot dogs. The Western Arkansas Pickleball Advocates will give free lessons and show people how to play pickleball. A limited number of T-shirts will be sold for $15, cash only.
The Ron Pawley Jr. Sports Complex will be open to the public from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. Sunday through Thursday, and until midnight on Friday and Saturday. Lavaca City Hall can be reserved for events like parties or reunions.
Mickle Griffin Engineers from Fort Smith handled the project design and management. Local volunteers helped by raising money for extras like benches, windscreens, trash cans, fence repairs, more fencing, and a mural themed around pickleball.
Lasting Impact for Lavaca
The new sports complex brings more than just fun—it’s a way to honor a beloved member of the community. It also adds a high-quality recreational space that welcomes all ages. Lavaca leaders hope it becomes a place that draws families and grows the town’s love for pickleball.
News in Brief: Lavaca Opens New Pickleball Courts
Lavaca will open a new pickleball park named after Ron Pawley Jr., a local Marine and 1996 Lavaca High graduate. A ribbon-cutting ceremony will be held Saturday. The $130,000 complex includes four courts and other facilities. The city hopes the park boosts community growth and honors Pawley’s legacy.