Painter Park Pickleball Court Grand Opening: Mayor Dorinda Borer officially opened new tennis and pickleball courts at Painter Park in West Haven on Tuesday evening. The celebration included a ribbon-cutting ceremony and giveaways of sports equipment. The $1 million project was funded by the American Rescue Plan Act and aimed at improving local recreation.
City Leaders and Community Join the Celebration
Mayor Dorinda Borer was joined by members of the West Haven High School boys and girls tennis teams, City Council members Anne Heffernan and Gary Donovan, and neighbors and contractors. The new courts, built by Hinding Tennis LLC of West Haven, were welcomed by all who attended. Tennis rackets, pickleball paddles, and balls were handed out during the event.
Before the ribbon was cut, Dorinda Borer shared her excitement about the new facilities.
“This park is a source of pride for us and is part of the fabric of our community,”. “Thank you for making a better place for the city of West Haven.”(Dorinda Borer)
Upgrades Bring New Life to Historic Courts
The tennis courts at Painter Park were first built in 1928 but had fallen apart over the years. Thanks to this project, the courts have been replaced with four new posttension concrete tennis courts. The two front courts are also marked for pickleball, making them the park’s first.
Director of Parks and Recreation Mark Paine Jr. said the new surface makes play easier and helps the courts last longer. He also praised Dorinda Borer for getting the ARPA funds moving to complete this and other projects across the city.
“I am very excited to open these courts up,” (Mark Paine Jr.).
Mark Paine Jr. explained that the courts will be open from sunrise to sunset. Soon, a new online permit process will be added. Along with the courts, the upgrades include proper drainage, benches, and vinyl-coated chain-link fences. Two lower courts have also been turned into a multiuse area for street hockey and soccer.
Players and Coaches Show Their Support
Girls tennis coach Mike Barraco attended the event with team captain Michelle Ceja and players Diana Morales, Martha Agustin, Jocelyn Otero, Angelina Torres, and Caitlin Pinedo.
Boys tennis coach Justin Wentworth also joined, along with co-captains Adam Chouiki and Daniel Davis and player Adnan Dost. Speaking on behalf of the teams, Adam Chouiki said the courts are a great way for people to connect.
“These beautiful and amazing courts are a place where people can bond as a community,” (Adam Chouiki).
Charlie Liberti, a senior pickleball player who helped start West Haven’s first pickleball program, said he was proud to see the city add the courts.
“Pickleball is the most social racket game I know of,”
Charlie Liberti told the crowd.
Also at the event was John Carrano, the city’s Human Resources Commissioner, who oversees the Parks and Recreation department.
New Pickleball Program Begins in August
Starting August 12, Pickle Spot of Orange will begin a five-week beginner pickleball class at the new courts. The program is for adults 18 and older and will be held every Tuesday from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. Certified coaches will lead the lessons, and paddles and balls will be provided. Each class needs at least four players to run.
Pickle Spot Managing Director Sarah Sirry and member Ron Iannotti were also present at the event. In the coming weeks, the Parks and Recreation department will also begin offering tennis lessons.
News in Brief: Painter Park Pickleball Court Grand Opening
West Haven opened new tennis and pickleball courts at Painter Park with a ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Dorinda Borer. Funded by $1 million in ARPA money, the courts include new features and will offer beginner pickleball lessons starting August 12. The project updates the nearly 100-year-old facility.
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