Compo Beach Pickleball Courts Dedication: The pickleball courts at Compo Beach in Westport will be officially dedicated to Tom Lowrie during a ceremony on Saturday, August 23. Lowrie, who is 97 years old, was a key figure in creating the courts and has been an important leader in the community for decades.
Honoring a Local Leader
Tom Lowrie and Charlie Haberstroh were the main forces behind building the courts at Compo Beach. Both men continue to support adding more courts for the growing number of players.
The idea to honor Lowrie came from Andrew Colabella, a Representative Town Meeting (RTM) member from District 4, and Chris Tait, an RTM member from District 1. Town rules allow two RTM members to request the naming of public property. Their petition to the board of selectwomen and the Parks and Recreation Commission passed without opposition.
Praise for Tom Lowrie
Andrew Colabella explained why he pushed to recognize Lowrie. He said,
“Tom has been a pivotal individual in Westport’s development since the 1960s as a resident and architect. He graduated Princeton,
served in the navy, raised two children, and has always been a peaceful and thoughtful collaborator and a selfless leader..”
Colabella also added,
“Tom puts in the research and hard work and even goes beyond to make sure his work ends up in your hands personally. When Tom talks about an idea, he not only conveys his thoughts in written words, but visuals too.”
Lowrie also served as the USA ambassador of pickleball to Westport, spreading the sport locally.
Pickleball’s Growing Popularity
Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the country. The USA Pickleball organization traces its origins to the 1960s in Bainbridge Island, Washington. Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum created the game as a family activity by combining elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis.
Why This Matters
Naming the Compo Beach courts after Tom Lowrie recognizes his lasting impact on Westport and celebrates his role in supporting pickleball. The dedication also highlights the community’s commitment to honoring local leaders and expanding recreational opportunities for residents.
News in Brief: Compo Beach Pickleball Courts Dedication
The pickleball courts at Compo Beach in Westport will be dedicated to Tom Lowrie, age 97, on Saturday, August 23. Lowrie helped bring the courts to town and served as a leader in Westport since the 1960s. The town approved the dedication unanimously after a petition by Andrew Colabella and Chris Tait.
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