Coleman Memorial Park Pickleball Courts Opening: On Tuesday afternoon, Lebanon City opened four new pickleball courts at Coleman Memorial Park. Despite the heat, many community members and players gathered to celebrate the event. The courts were built on the site of old tennis courts, with funds from local, state, and federal sources.
The upgrades were made possible through help from the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, American Rescue Plan Act funds, and donations. Trustee Joe Morales thanked state Representative John Schlegel’s office and the Lebanon County Commissioners for helping secure the funding.
Why Pickleball Matters to Lebanon
Joe Morales explained that the park trustees wanted to meet community needs and improve old spaces. “There were a lot of people instrumental in making the courts come to fruition,” said Morales. “This park is a regional asset that covers the entire county.”
The old tennis courts were no longer in use. By building pickleball courts, park leaders responded to the sport’s popularity and gave the public something new.
The Sport’s Fast Growth
Justin Tice, who advised the park trustees, said pickleball is growing fast because anyone can play—no matter their age or skill level. “It is a worldwide sport that is growing by the millions, to the point that by 2030 it’s expected to be one of the biggest sports in the sporting industry,” he said.
Tice also shared why it’s so popular: “I think, first and foremost, being able to bring generations together, even potentially at the same skill level. Whether you’re just getting started or an expert, it’s easy to figure out.”
Until recently, outdoor pickleball spaces in Lebanon were hard to find. “Up until this last year, it has been very hard to find outdoor pickleball locations locally,” said Tice.
Now, new courts are popping up. South Hills just opened six courts, and Optimist Park plans to add more.
Special Features and Future Plans
The new courts at Coleman Memorial Park have net dividers to stop balls from rolling into nearby games. This helps players stay focused and safe.
Mayor Sherry Capello said the park has seen many changes over the last 12 years. “We’re really proud with all of the amenities we’ve been able to add over the last 12 years,” she said.
Mayor Capello said the park is now a destination, not just a local hangout. “Not only is it a regional park, but it’s also becoming a destination park,” she said. “On a day like today, you can still stand in the shade and enjoy your time outside rather than being cooped up in a hot house, because there’s so many trees.”
Trustee Joe Morales said the board first looks at whether a structure needs repairs, then thinks about what people want. “After that, we look at what the community wants; in this case, we didn’t have pickleball courts and we knew it was booming nationally,” said Morales.
Next, the city plans to build a dog park on land that once held a swimming pool. Mayor Capello said work has been slowed by rain, but the team has already poured concrete pads and installed posts.
“A dog park,” said Mayor Capello, “was among the most requested amenities by locals.”
News in Brief: Coleman Memorial Park Pickleball Courts Opening
Lebanon City opened four new pickleball courts at Coleman Memorial Park, thanks to community support and government funding. Park trustee Joe Morales and Mayor Sherry Capello say the courts meet rising demand for the sport. Plans are also underway to build a new dog park on city-owned land.
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