Vandals Strike Longview’s Pickleball Courts: Vandals at Longview’s only outdoor pickleball courts has caused around $9,000 in damage. The six courts at Guthrie Park were hit twice since April 25, with paint spills and chipped concrete making the courts unsafe. Repairs are planned, but no official start date has been set.
Two Vandalism Incidents Since Spring
According to officials, epoxy and yellow paint were poured on the courts, and tools were used to break the concrete surface. Dustin Eberhart, president of the Longview Pickleball Club, said, “That was a big mess.” The damage happened just before the club’s annual tournament.
“Luckily, the city got out there and got it cleaned up as best as possible,” he said. “We were business as usual for the tournament.” But the courts are still unsafe due to a missing chunk in the playing surface.
Eberhart also said that three similar spots were damaged earlier in 2024 and that wind screens were previously cut.
Costly Repairs on the Way
The courts will need to be repainted and resurfaced to fix the damage. “Not only is it a burden on the city, it’s a burden on the players as well,” Eberhart said. The city has not yet set a date for the repairs, but they are expected to take about one week.
John Albertson, Director of Parks and Recreation, said, “Unfortunately, there does tend to be an uptick in vandalism during the summer.” He added that the city is working with insurance and getting estimates for the repairs.
The recent act of vandalism is not the only one. In April, the playset at Broughton Park was so badly damaged it had to be removed and replaced.
Community Support and Frustration
The courts were created in 2022 when the city turned old tennis courts into pickleball courts. The Longview Pickleball Club, formed in 2020, has worked closely with the city to improve the facility.
Eberhart said, “The pickleball courts are a collaboration between the city of Longview and the pickleball club. We’re doing our best to improve it and make it a nice place to play, for everybody to come out and enjoy.”
Earlier this year, the city upgraded the courts by resurfacing and adding benches, tables, landscaping, and a sunshade. The effort was supported by community members and volunteers.
Eberhart shared his disappointment, saying, “It’s just frustrating, when we have community partners pour their heart and soul into this.”
He urged people to treat public spaces with care. “Take care of what we have,” he said. “If anybody is bored and looking for something to do, come pick up a paddle. Don’t pick up a hammer and paint bucket.”
News in Brief: Vandals Strike Longview’s Pickleball Courts
Vandals damaged Longview’s only public pickleball courts twice since April 25, causing an estimated $9,000 in repairs. Paint and concrete damage will force court closures for resurfacing. City officials and club leaders urge the community to help protect shared spaces and support the courts they’ve worked hard to build.
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