Prather Park Pickleball Courts Opening: Highland Park held a ribbon-cutting ceremony on August 8 at Prather Park to celebrate the opening of four new pickleball courts. Mayor Will C. Beecherl led the event, where residents quickly took to the courts to enjoy what has become the fastest-growing sport in the country.
Celebration on the Courts
The ceremony began with a speech from Mayor Will C. Beecherl before he officially cut the ribbon. Afterward, residents grabbed paddles and played games, some trying pickleball for the first time. Nine-year-old Julia McDaniel said, “I like pickleball.” She added she would probably come often to play with her brother, Alex.
Her mother, Tanya McDaniel, praised the park, saying, “The courts are beautiful. The landscaping is beautiful. It’s intimate, very inviting for the community to come together. There are places to sit, walk, watch. It’s perfect.”
From Tennis to Pickleball
The new courts were once a tennis court. The town originally planned to rebuild the space as part of efforts to improve Hackberry Creek. However, officials realized the spot was ideal for pickleball because it was far from homes, reducing noise concerns, while still close to the city pool.
In addition to the court conversion, the town added a ledgestone wall, a flagstone path, improved lighting, a park bench, and upgraded sections of Hackberry Creek’s walls. Landscaping was also improved with 36 new trees planted.
Cost and Commitment
Mayor Will C. Beecherl said, “The total cost of the project was a little over $1 million, which is a big investment for us. But we think it greatly benefits residents of all ages.”
Town administrator Tobin Maples, who played during the dedication, even won a friendly doubles match. He credited neighbors for their coaching in helping him learn the game.
Access to the Courts
The courts are reserved for Highland Park residents. Locals can reserve one hour daily for either pickleball or tennis by visiting hptx.org/recreation with a tennis permit. Courts with pickleball striping are also available at Fairfax Park and Abbott Park.
Chelsey Gordon, the town’s director of policy development and strategic initiatives, explained the purpose of the project. She said, “Pickleball is a fast-growing sport in the US. We hope to give (residents) an opportunity to come and play pickleball in a dedicated workspace.” She added that if pickleball fades in popularity, the courts could be switched back to tennis.
Lasting Impact
The new courts are expected to bring residents together and create a dedicated space for pickleball while preserving the beauty of Hackberry Creek. With strong community interest and new facilities, Highland Park has made a major investment in recreation for the future.
News in Brief: Prather Park Pickleball Courts Opening
Highland Park opened four new pickleball courts at Prather Park on August 8 with a ribbon-cutting led by Mayor Will C. Beecherl. The $1 million project included landscaping, creek repairs, and seating upgrades. Courts are reserved for residents, with officials hoping to create a lasting community gathering space.
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