New Pickleball Courts in Nelliston: In the heart of Nelliston Park, a significant transformation unfolded as the old tennis courts were given a vibrant new lease on life. On a sunny Monday afternoon, the rhythmic sound of pickleball paddles meeting balls marked the official opening of the town’s freshly renovated courts. The sport, recognized as the world’s fastest-growing now has another home in the Mohawk Valley.
“It’s growing momentum here,” commented Debbie Eckler, a resident eager to dive into the game. For years, Eckler enjoyed pickleball at her second home in Florida. Now, she looks forward to playing just a few blocks away from her Nelliston residence. “It’s nice and close,” she noted. The courts, which underwent two months of pickleball court renovation, were officially inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday.
“I can just walk over.” – (Debbie Eckler)
A Shift from Tennis to Pickleball
The courts’ transition from tennis to pickleball reflects a broader shift in community needs. Village officials recognized that the original tennis setup was underutilized. Nelliston Trustee Niel Yerden recalled,
“I have to go by them each time to go to my home and, of course, that gives me line of sight right through the tennis court. Very few times would I see anybody on this thing.” – (Niel Yerden)
The repurposed space now caters to pickleball, a sport that requires a smaller court and distinct equipment—namely, a plastic ball and a paddle instead of a tennis racket.
Pickleball’s Surge in Popularity
Although pickleball has been around for nearly 60 years, its popularity has surged only recently. According to USA Pickleball, the number of players increased by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023. Palatine resident Donald VanDerwerken, who began playing last December at Xtreme Pickle in Amsterdam, shared his enthusiasm:
“You get to meet other people. It’s athletic, but it’s also social.”
Local Impact and Community Response
The closest pickleball facilities before this were at Canajoharie High School’s Nellis Gymnasium, a result of a $5.7 million capital project, and a joint pickleball and basketball court in Dolgeville’s Center Park. While there were discussions about converting the six new pickleball courts into multi-purpose spaces, Deputy Mayor Conrad Phillips is confident in their current use.
“There’s enough interest in pickleball. Let’s just go with what already exists.” – (Phillips)
A Day of Celebration
The ribbon-cutting ceremony drew attendees from neighboring towns, including Michael and Diane Houghton from Root, who learned of the event through Janet Stanley of Lee’s Shops. Their journey with pickleball began at the Duanesburg YMCA and continued at various locations after its closure. Michael Houghton, who competed in the National Senior Games Association’s pickleball tournament in Pittsburgh, summed up the appeal of the sport:
“You keep it simple. And it’s great for all ages.” – (Diane Houghton)
News in Brief: New Pickleball Courts in Nelliston
Nelliston Park has officially opened its newly renovated pickleball courts, marking a significant addition to the Mohawk Valley’s growing sports landscape. The courts, which replaced underused tennis facilities, were inaugurated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Monday. “It’s growing momentum here,” said Debbie Eckler, a local enthusiast.
The sport’s popularity has surged recently, with a 51.8% increase in players from 2022 to 2023, according to USA Pickleball. Residents, including Michael and Diane Houghton, who have been involved in pickleball since the late 2010s, celebrated the opening. The courts now provide a dedicated space for pickleball, reflecting the community’s evolving interests and the sport’s expanding reach.
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