Lincoln Pickleball Court Solar Lighting: Pickleball Lincoln has received a $25,000 grant from AARP to install solar-powered lights at Peterson Park. The new lights will help extend playing time during early spring and late fall when daylight is limited. The project is expected to be completed by the end of the year.
Lighting Boosts Access for Local Players
Joel Houston, president of Pickleball Lincoln, said the need for lights is clear.
“We have about six weeks in the spring and six weeks in the fall where the weather is still nice, but we’re losing out on daylight hours,”(Joel Houston).
The nonprofit applied for the grant last year but did not receive funding at first. Later, AARP contacted Joel Houston to say money had been set aside for the project.
The Lincoln Parks and Recreation Department had considered traditional lighting but found it too costly. The solar option was more affordable and a better fit for the park.
“This is a really difficult area to get electricity into, so it’s a great opportunity to test the solar lighting, and the city is excited about it,”(Joel Houston).
AARP Promotes Active Lifestyles through Pickleball
In addition to the grant, AARP is also bringing its Toss and Spin Tour to Lincoln. The free tour is taking place in 25 cities and aims to teach retired people how to play pickleball. The event is open to AARP members.
Joel Houston believes the game has real health benefits for older adults.
“It’s a great way to keep retired people active,”. “We’ve seen it really make a lot of improvement in people’s lives locally.”(Joel Houston)
Looking Ahead to More Improvements
The solar-powered lights at Peterson Park are planned to be ready by spring. Joel Houston said other courts in Lincoln may benefit from similar upgrades if the project is successful.
The lighting will allow more players to enjoy the courts safely during darker hours, helping pickleball grow even further in the local community.
News in Brief: Lincoln Pickleball Court Solar Lighting
Pickleball Lincoln received a $25,000 AARP grant to install solar-powered lights at Peterson Park. The lights will extend court hours during low daylight seasons. AARP’s Toss and Spin Tour also stops in Lincoln, promoting pickleball to seniors. Other courts may follow with similar improvements after this pilot project.
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