Recreation Park Pickleball Court Upgrade: The Town of Ticonderoga has started upgrading tennis courts in Recreation Park into pickleball courts to meet growing demand. Phase One of the project is underway, with two courts being resurfaced and painted. Community leaders and donors are working together to improve recreation and attract more visitors to the area.
Pickleball Brings New Energy
Patty Hogan, who ran Northern Lake George Paddle for 10 years, is leading efforts to convert the courts.
“Pickleball is such an attraction for everybody around the country for all ages, and is multi-generational. It’s an ideal summer activity, especially with so many rentals coming into town.”(Patty Hogan )
She added,
“It seemed logical to me given the growth of pickleball and around the country—and every neighboring community building pickleball courts—for us to have an option to upgrade our facility; it would be a huge draw for Ticonderoga.”
A Growing Sport
Pickleball, which began in 1965, mixes badminton, tennis, and table tennis. It uses paddles and a plastic ball on a small court.
Patty Hogan noted that many nearby towns have already built pickleball courts, including Schroon Lake, Bolton, Silver Bay, Glens Falls, and Glenburnie.
Local tennis courts were in poor shape, with cracks and worn surfaces. Patty Hogan said improving them made sense as the town plans more projects and streetscape upgrades.
Supporting Health and Community
Patty Hogan has seen how racquet sports help people of all ages.
“Racquet sports for me are essential. Kids have to be accountable for their actions at all times, they learn decision making, etiquette. It provides an environment for learning life skills. It also provides mentally healthy socialization for our elderly population and it’s been proven that seniors who play pickleball enjoy an enhanced life with improved longevity and no social isolation.”(Patty Hogan)
She hopes to offer free lessons and youth pickleball teams next summer.
Funding and Partners
Nicole Green, Executive Director of North Country Rural Development Coalition, Town Councilwoman Joyce Cooper, and Town Councilman Dave Woods have been key partners in the project. Nicole Green helped secure funding from the Adirondack for Kids Foundation and a private family foundation.
“People are waiting in line to play on courts marked by tape at the Armory. It will be wonderful to have our courts in Recreation Park resurfaced, repainted and relined providing more and improved courts for local players and visitors. This will certainly provide another reason to visit our downtown and town.”(Joyce Cooper)
Project Costs and Donations
The project is expected to cost about $73,000 to convert all three courts. Phase One focuses on two courts and needs $5,000 more to finish. Phase Two will require an additional $25,000. Patty Hogan and her husband Sandy Morehouse plan to make a personal donation.
“Sandy loves the community, it is because of his love for this town that we decided to do this. I made a commitment to enhance the lives of people, and I feel sports are so important.”(Patty Hogan)
Hats and shirts with a new paddle logo will be sold at Small Town Boutique to raise money. Patty Hogan is also searching for more funding to complete Phase Two next year.
“I envision something where we can offer things to the community. We want to make that facility a welcoming place. It will be a beautiful amenity.”(Patty Hogan)
News in Brief: Recreation Park Pickleball Court Upgrade
Ticonderoga is turning old tennis courts in Recreation Park into pickleball courts. Patty Hogan, Nicole Green, Joyce Cooper, and Dave Woods are leading the effort. Phase One has begun, with more funds needed. The project will bring new recreation options and help grow community connections.
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