New Pickleball Opens in Bethlehem: The Town of Bethlehem celebrated the grand opening of its newly constructed pickleball courts at Elm Avenue Park on July 16. The event marked the end of a significant upgrade project that replaced four existing tennis courts with ten dedicated pickleball courts.
The move to add new courts came in response to the growing popularity of pickleball, a trend accelerated by the COVID-19 pandemic. “We try to observe the activities that park users are gravitating to and adapt to their changing needs.” said Bethlehem Parks and Recreation Administrator Jason Gallo. By 2022, pickleball had surpassed tennis in local popularity, highlighting the necessity for this expansion.
Cost Management and Collaborative Efforts
The project, budgeted by the town, faced a hefty cost of $187,000 for grading, paving, resurfacing, and equipping the courts. “It really makes it more affordable to do it that way,” Gallo explained.
Town officials found a way to mitigate costs through a blend of state funding and local labor. Town Board member David DeCancio, Assemblyman Scott Bendett, and Town Supervisor David VanLuven played crucial roles in this effort.
“Dave DeCancio and Supervisor David VanLuven and I met and talked about it right under the trees at the park,” Bendett said. “They were a pleasure to work with in every aspect and so was the Bethlehem staff.” Bendett secured $50,000 in state funding for the courts, while the use of town highway personnel saved approximately $100,000 in site preparation costs.
Government Collaboration and Community Impact
“Working together, this is how the government is supposed to work. Seniors needed recreation and I said we can get this done. It is validation on how this system can work well.” – (Bendett)
VanLuven echoed these sentiments, praising the combined efforts of the park staff and highway department for expediting the project.
“Our great park staff recognized the need for pickleball courts, and I’m so pleased that they and our Highway Department were able to make them happen so quickly. And thanks to Assembly member Scott Bendett for delivering $50,000 in state funds for the project.” – (Bendett)
Future Prospects and Ongoing Developments
The new pickleball courts have quickly become a hit, with Gallo noting they are “packed with users,” especially in the mornings. The remaining bay of four tennis courts at the park will also be refurbished, possibly next year. The courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis and close at dusk due to the lack of lighting.
“Our new pickleball courts are a great example of how a community benefits when people work together. By working collaboratively, the town was able to build 10 new pickleball courts for less than originally planned, I call that a win-win.” – (DeCancio)
Bendett hopes that such projects will continue to foster an intergenerational community.
“Think about it…parents playing with their children and grandchildren. I am interested in helping with any project that comes up like that. I had this money available to me through the assembly and this was the perfect fit.” – (Bendett)
“Bethlehem has the best park network in the Capital Region, and we keep making it better.” – (VanLuven)
News in Brief: New Pickleball Opens in Bethlehem
The Town of Bethlehem celebrated the opening of ten new pickleball courts at Elm Avenue Park. The upgrade involved replacing four tennis courts, a move prompted by pickleball’s surging popularity.
The project, costing $187,000, was significantly funded by a $50,000 state grant secured by Assemblyman Scott Bendett, with additional savings from local labor. The courts are already popular, with Gallo noting they’re often packed in the mornings. Future plans include refurbishing the remaining tennis courts. The project highlights successful government collaboration and community support, enhancing Bethlehem’s recreational facilities.
Also Read: The Rise of Pickleball in Maumelle, Arkansas
