Jewish Community Center Pickleball Expansion: The Springfield Jewish Community Center held a ribbon-cutting event on July 9 to open eight new outdoor pickleball courts and a full-sized basketball court. Located at 1160 Dickinson Street, the upgrades are part of the center’s ongoing “Be Our Best” capital campaign to improve facilities for both members and the public.
New Additions for Sports and Community
The celebration marked a major step in the Springfield Jewish Community Center’s mission to modernize its 70-year-old building. The “Be Our Best” campaign began in 2017 with a goal of raising $12 million. So far, nearly $7 million has been secured from 100 donors, including a $1 million federal grant.
Betsy Bertuzzi, co-chair of the campaign, spoke at the event. “This facility ushers in a new era for the J in community socialization and fitness,” Betsy Bertuzzi said. “Because of the generosity of these first 100 donors … we’ll be cutting the ribbon on our beautiful [and] new-lighted eight pickleball courts and outdoor basketball court.”
New Membership Options and Court Access
Through July 31, the courts are free for everyone. Starting August 1, non-members will pay $5 per visit. Pickleball is included in full JCC memberships, or players can sign up for a monthly pickleball-only membership at $30.
According to the Springfield Jewish Community Center’s website, four courts can be reserved, while the other four remain open for walk-in play. All courts are available daily from 6 a.m. until dusk.
The outdoor courts are in addition to three indoor pickleball courts already available in the center’s gym.
What’s Next for the JCC
During the event, Betsy Bertuzzi also shared that more upgrades are coming. This fall, the old game room will be turned into a 145-seat conference center that can divide into three smaller rooms.
The $1 million federal grant will also help renovate classrooms, the educational wing, and bathrooms near the auditorium. Other future plans include installing an ADA-accessible ramp, updating the lobby, café, and kitchen, and making the auditorium and pool more user-friendly.
Continued Support from Local Leaders
JCC Chief Executive Officer Karen Jarmoc praised the support from the community and board members. “We are on the move,” Karen Jarmoc said. “I’m just really grateful to the Board [of Directors] in particular for having confidence in me and the team here to keep moving things forward and to support the tremendous foundation that’s already been established.”
Local officials including Mayor Domenic Sarno, State Senator Jake Oliveira, State Representative Brian Ashe, and State Representative Carlos Gonzalez attended the event.
State Senator Jake Oliveira said, “To have a pickleball court at the JCC that is not just eight large court areas, but also something that’s very unique for this facility; having lights above you. This is a community asset for the entire region.”
News in Brief: Jewish Community Center Pickleball Expansion
The Springfield Jewish Community Center opened eight outdoor pickleball courts and one basketball court on July 9 as part of its $12 million “Be Our Best” campaign. Free to all until July 31, the new courts support the center’s effort to grow fitness, access, and social space for the local community.
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