Harris Field Pickleball Courts Spark Tourism: Chatham unveiled two new pickleball courts at Harris Field on Davis Road on Saturday, attracting dozens of players and community members. The courts are part of the Reimagine Chatham initiative, which brings residents, civic groups, and local businesses together to improve recreation and promote economic development in the town.
Courts and Community Reaction
Melody Thompson, who traveled from the Lynchburg area, was among the first to try the courts.
“I think the courts are beautiful. I love the settings. It’s gorgeous.”(Melody Thompson)
The courts are painted in blue, green, and grey, providing a visually appealing space for the sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and pingpong.
Anne Moore-Sparks, president and CEO of the Danville Pittsylvania County Chamber of Commerce, called the courts a
“truly collaborative project. This is about economic development, it’s about tourism, it’s about health and wellness. And I cannot wait to come and play on these courts myself.”(Anne Moore-Sparks)
How the Project Started
Reimagine Chatham launched last year to gather input from the community on improving recreation. A survey showed the need for more opportunities for residents. Frank Fox, president of the Chatham Rotary Club and board president of Chatham First, said the pickleball court idea came from the sport’s growing popularity.
“In the last week or so, when they finished, I just realized how overwhelmingly great this project is,” (Reimagine Chatham).
Joe Rogers, with Reimagine Chatham, called the courts the “most visible product” of the ongoing effort to make the town a better place to live and play. The town of Chatham owns the property, which also has two baseball diamonds, leaving room for future expansion.
Tourism and Social Benefits
Pickleball players see the new courts as a central hub for the region. One player, Stone, noted,
“But this court here is going to change that dynamic because it’s much closer to our house. There’s probably 1,000 people playing pickleball in the area, and this court is central to Pittsylvania County.”
Chatham Mayor Alisa Davis said the courts will draw people from nearby communities like South Boston, Martinsville, Roanoke, and Smith Mountain Lake. Visitors will not only play but also support local shops and restaurants.
Funding and Construction
The project was funded with a $147,000 anonymous grant, which kick-started Reimagine Chatham. John Harris, involved with Reimagine Chatham, confirmed the grant. The town of Chatham incurred no costs. Brad Haymes of Haymes Brothers Construction oversaw installation, with other contractors helping. Haymes said,
“I hope the people enjoy it for years to come. It’s awesome to see all of these people out here.”
Popularity of Pickleball
Pickleball has grown rapidly in the U.S., with 19.8 million players in 2024, a 45.8% increase from the previous year, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association. Thompson and her daughter, C, a silver-level Professional Pickleball Association player, praised the community atmosphere.
“There is nothing like a pickleball community. You get all kinds of people from the different age groups.”(Anne Moore-Sparks)
Thompson added,
“That’s the great thing about pickleball, you meet people. Pickleball is a fun sport, but it’s just as much social as it is fun.”
News in Brief: Harris Field Pickleball Courts Spark Tourism
Chatham opened two new pickleball courts at Harris Field on Davis Road, funded by a $147,000 grant. The courts aim to boost recreation, tourism, and community engagement. Players of all ages attended Saturday’s grand opening, highlighting the sport’s popularity and the town’s growing appeal as a central hub for pickleball in the region.
ALSO READ: $140K Pickleball Court Scrapped in Aurora—Residents Outraged Over Costly Safety Blunder