Delmo Park Pickleball Court Opening: Kennett, Missouri, opened its first pickleball court at Delmo Park on Monday, July 21, 2025. The project was led by Don Collins and the Kennett Parks Department. It gives residents a new way to enjoy outdoor activities and is part of a larger effort to improve city parks.
The new court was built over an underused basketball court at Delmo Park. Work began in winter 2024 and was finished a few weeks before the ribbon-cutting. The court features a smooth blacktop, new painted lines, a modern net, and a safety fence.
City Gas, Light and Water also helped by adding new lights to the area.
Community Excitement
“For the past several years, the park board has been talking about doing a pickleball court,”. “We knew this basketball court at Delmo Park wasn’t being utilized, so last fall, we made the decision to invest the money in turning it into a pickleball court.”(Don Collins)
Residents have already started using the court, and response has been positive.
“So far, we’ve had a good response,”. “Lots of people have been using it. We’re already in discussion about putting more courts at Indian Park.”(Don Collins)
A Growing Sport Nationwide
Pickleball started in 1965 and is now the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. There are more than 11,000 official places to play across the country, according to USA Pickleball. Many more games happen in local or temporary spaces.
More Park Projects in Kennett
The new pickleball court is one part of a larger plan to improve Kennett’s parks. In 2023, Jones Park got a disc golf course and a softball field upgrade. New projects are also being planned for Indian Park.
“I think it’s awesome to give our community something else to do,”. “It’s good to have as many options as possible to get outside and have fun at our local parks, and this is another option for the people in Kennett. It’s pleasing to see a lot of people already utilizing the new court, too.”(Don Collins)
These changes aim to bring more fun and healthy activities to the city and create spaces that people of all ages can enjoy.
News in Brief: Delmo Park Pickleball Court Opening
Kennett opened its first pickleball court at Delmo Park on July 21, 2025. The court replaced an unused basketball area and features new lights, fencing, and fresh paint. Led by Don Collins and the Kennett Parks Department, this project is part of a bigger plan to improve parks across the city.
ALSO READ: Andalucia Residents Sound Off as Pickleball Courts Spark Neighborhood Uproar