Plymouth’s New Pickleball Courts Debut: After a protracted two-year journey, Plymouth’s new pickleball courts officially opened Wednesday at the Mary Beth Hunter Tennis Complex in Centennial Park. The ribbon-cutting ceremony, led by Mayor Listenberger, celebrated a collaborative effort that brought the project to fruition.
Community and Funding
The courts, already in use for nearly a month, were made possible by contributions from The City of Plymouth Park Department, the Plymouth Picklers Group, a grant from the Marshall County Community Foundation, and various corporate and individual donors. “Picklers, you did it,” Listenberger declared just before cutting the ribbon. Plymouth Park & Recreation Superintendent Mike Hite remarked,
“Getting the community to do this makes it more receptive for the city. We started this a while ago, but we got it.”
Court Activity and Interest
Following the ribbon-cutting, the six new pickleball-specific courts quickly filled with activity. Park board vice president Alex Eads and Dave Miller contributed additional comments, while the courts echoed with the sound of pickleballs.
“It took some effort, but we got things in motion, got money from multiple sources and we got it in the city budget for 2024. When January rolled around we put things out for bids. About an hour before we opened the bids we only had one. By the time the meeting started though, we had five or six. That was good and we went with the best one.” – (Miller)
Increased Popularity
Miller, a longtime pickleball player, observed a surge in interest.
“When I got here today, there were four courts of people I have never seen before. From 8-11 a.m. and 5-8 p.m. almost every day, it’s usually pretty busy. And it’s all ages. Usually, in the mornings it is the retired folks and in the evening it is those that still work or teenagers or younger.” – (Miller)
Efficient Court Management
To accommodate the enthusiastic players, the facility employs a rotation system.
“If the courts are full and more than eight are waiting, we use a four-on, four-off rotation (meaning once a game ends, all four players rotate off and four new players come on). It keeps the courts moving. If not that many are waiting, the winners stay, but split up and two new players come on.” – (Miller)
Overflow is managed with tennis courts previously designated for pickleball.
“The great thing about the sport is it’s social. Our first rule is have fun and be polite. You meet a lot of new people. The location is great because it’s near the shelter, restrooms and parking lot. It’s working out really well.” – (Miller)
News in Brief: Plymouth’s New Pickleball Courts Debut
Plymouth celebrated the official opening of its new pickleball courts at the Mary Beth Hunter Tennis Complex in Centennial Park on Wednesday. The courts, in use for nearly a month, are the result of a two-year effort involving The City of Plymouth Park Department, the Plymouth Picklers Group, a Marshall County Community Foundation grant, and various donors.
Mayor Listenberger and other officials acknowledged the community’s role in the project. Park board vice president Dave Miller highlighted the surge in interest and the efficient court management system, which includes a rotation for waiting players. The courts also offer overflow use of previously marked tennis courts, enhancing accessibility and enjoyment for all ages.
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