Silver Lake Park Opens New Pickleball Courts: Despite the overcast skies, enthusiasm was high last Saturday morning as the community gathered for the grand opening of the newly resurfaced pickleball courts at Silver Lake Park.
The project, completed by MA Sealcoating of Oxford at a total cost of $18,000, saw significant contributions from various local entities. The Athol-Orange Rotary Club provided $10,000, the Town of Athol added $5,000, and the remaining funds were raised by the Silver Lake Pickleball Association through local business and individual donations.
Ribbon Cutting and Community Spirit
As the ribbon was cut, participants eagerly paired off to start playing on the fresh courts. Bill Kessler, president-elect of the Athol-Orange Rotary Club, addressed the crowd, emphasizing the club’s commitment to the community as they approach their 100th anniversary next September.
“So, this is our gift to the community and also to the committee that helped put it together. We’re very proud of the donation we made, and we’re very proud of the community that has come together to make this happen.” – (Bill Kessler)
Credit to Local Pickleball Enthusiasts
Tim Burgess, Chair of the Silver Lake Pickleball Association, praised pickleball enthusiasts Charlie Frost and Todd Martinelli for their initial efforts. They were instrumental in transforming the space, initially used unofficially as a dog park, into a dedicated pickleball court.
“They were in here cleaning up, putting down some lines, bringing in portable pickleball nets, and they just started playing. For some reason, it sort of became an unofficial dog park….But the word got out that this was going to be a pickleball court and, as you can see, it’s a pickleball court today.” – (Burgess)
Gratitude and Future Plans
Burgess took a moment to acknowledge the Athol-Orange Rotary Club, highlighting Kessler’s involvement.
“One day, he (Kessler) said, ‘Hey, the Rotary is looking for something to do for the community. So, why don’t you put a little presentation together and come down to lunch?’ So, we made a presentation, and they liked the idea, and they gave us a generous donation. If it wasn’t for them, we wouldn’t be here at this point.” – (Burgess)
He also expressed appreciation for the Town of Athol, particularly the Department of Public Works, Open Space and Recreation Commission, and all contributors.
“We’re not done here yet. We’re hoping to hold fundraisers, clinics, tournaments, social events – anything to get everybody together and play some pickleball.” – (Burgess)
News in Brief: Silver Lake Park Opens New Pickleball Courts
Last Saturday, the newly resurfaced pickleball courts at Silver Lake Park in Athol were officially opened. The $18,000 project, funded by the Athol-Orange Rotary Club, the Town of Athol, and local donations, was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Rotary Club President-elect Bill Kessler highlighted the event as a community gift, while Silver Lake Pickleball Association Chair Tim Burgess credited local enthusiasts for their initial efforts. Burgess also expressed gratitude for the Rotary Club’s support and outlined plans for community events and fundraisers to promote pickleball.
ALSO READ: New Pickleball Courts in Burlington: Blue Zone to Start a New Era
