Gordon Moore Pickleball League Revival: Gordon Moore Park in Alton recently hosted the fourth annual Gordon Moore Pickleball League, welcoming 32 players who competed over six weeks on Tuesday evenings. The modern pickleball courts, opened on May 3, 2024, have quickly become a favorite spot for local players, despite a brief closure due to a sinkhole.
The courts were funded mostly by Alton Township and include helpful features like shade structures over picnic tables and an automated external defibrillator for safety. These improvements have made the courts comfortable and secure for everyone who visits.
League Brings Players Together
After the sinkhole forced players to use courts in Godfrey, Cottage Hills, and Bethalto, interest at Gordon Moore Park has been picking up again. Organizers hope that the league and the upgraded facilities will keep attracting more players.
The pickleball league is not only about competition. It also supports local charities, including TreeHouse Wildlife Center and Community Christmas, by making donations from league activities.
A Growing Sport in the Area
Ruby Berghoff, a local pickleball fan, shared how the sport took off in the region.
“Pickleball in the Greater Alton-Godfrey area got its start at Gordon Moore Park utilizing the tennis courts in 2019 under the tutelage of former Godfrey resident Ardene Clarke, supported by Mike Haynes – and at the chagrin of local tennis enthusiasts. As the sport grew, so did interest in building more courts by Godfrey, Bethalto, Wood River Township and city,”.
Ruby Berghoff added that the high quality and safety of the courts after repairs could convince more players to return and play again.
A Positive Outlook
The renewed popularity of Gordon Moore Park shows how important safe and modern courts are for the community. As more people discover pickleball, the courts will likely see even more use, helping local sports and bringing people together.
News in Brief: Gordon Moore Pickleball League Revival
Gordon Moore Park in Alton hosted its fourth annual pickleball league with 32 players. The courts, which reopened after a sinkhole repair, feature modern safety upgrades. Organizers hope the improvements and community support will keep players coming back to enjoy the fast-growing sport.
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