Bad Axe City Park Pickleball Courts: Bad Axe City Park has opened four new pickleball courts after converting half of its existing tennis courts. The project, approved by the Bad Axe City Council in December 2024, aims to keep local pickleball players in the city rather than traveling to nearby Harbor Beach. Construction began in spring and was completed recently.
Project Details and Funding
The city hired Goddard Sports Surfaces to build the courts. The total cost was $42,750. The Bad Axe Rotary Club donated $6,000, while the remaining funds came from the city’s parks and recreation budget. City Manager Rebecca Bachman said the city hopes to support the growing pickleball community locally.
Growth of Pickleball
Pickleball, created in 1965, has rapidly grown in popularity, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic. Between 2019 and 2021, the sport’s participation increased by 39.3%. It was named the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. in both 2021 and 2022, with 13.6 million players nationwide. The game appeals to many because it is affordable, easy to learn, and suitable for all ages and fitness levels.
Future Plans for Parks and Recreation
Alongside the pickleball courts, the Bad Axe City Council discussed restoring the basketball courts, but decided to delay that project. Rebecca Bachman said the city is updating its five-year parks and recreation plan and hopes to apply for grants to restore the basketball courts once the plan is complete.
“We are updating our five-year parks and rec plan currently,”. “We are hoping that once that is completed we can apply for grants for the restoration of the basketball courts.”(Rebecca Bachman)
Bachman added that more detailed plans will be available after the parks and recreation plan is finalized.
News in Brief: Bad Axe City Park Pickleball Courts
Bad Axe City Park has opened four new pickleball courts after converting part of the tennis courts. The project cost $42,750, with funding from the city and a Rotary Club donation. The city plans to update its parks and recreation plan and may restore basketball courts in the future.
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