Uniontown’s New Pickleball Facility: Pickleball, a sport similar to tennis where players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net, has made its debut in Uniontown, thanks to community support and grant funding. The new concrete court was established following a successful grant application.
Community Efforts
Last Thursday, pickleball equipment became accessible to the public, stored in a container placed under the community bulletin board at Uniontown’s City Hall.
“There is no charge to use the equipment and we ask that you put it back, or the community loses it. Return it and take care, so everyone can use it.” – (City Clerk Sally Johnson)
The equipment, including the net, paddles, and ball, was donated by local residents: the bin by Amber Kelley, the net and paddles by the Frank Johnson family, and the benches by Skeet George.
Grant and Funding Details
The City of Uniontown pursued a grant in 2022 to establish the pickleball court. Funded by the Kansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways Grant through the Healthy Bourbon County Action Team (HBCAT) Placemaking initiative, the project had an estimated budget of $18,430, with $10,000 provided by the grant.
“We went through them to apply and qualify for the grant. HBCAT worked with the community to find out what the community wanted in 2022. We received and implemented the grant request and had to make an estimated budget, then advertised and put it out for bid. The process took about two years.” – (City Clerk Sally Johnson)
Grand Opening Event
The pickleball court will officially open with a grand opening and ribbon cutting at 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, during the Old Settler’s Picnic. The ceremony will take place west of the new public restrooms, with additional family activities scheduled for the day. Bingo at 2 p.m. and Family Fun Night at 6 p.m. at the gazebo will bookend the ribbon-cutting event.
“They will incorporate the ribbon cutting in the family fun time. The public is invited to all the events.” – (City Clerk Sally Johnson)
News in Brief: Uniontown’s New Pickleball Facility
Uniontown has introduced a new pickleball court, funded by a grant and community donations. The court, featuring equipment provided by local residents and a grant from the Kansas Blue Cross/Blue Shield Pathways Grant, is now open for use.
A grand opening ceremony is set for 5:30 p.m. on Sunday, September 1, during the Old Settler’s Picnic, with additional family events planned throughout the day. Equipment is available at City Hall, and residents are encouraged to return and care for the gear.
Also Read: Newington’s Pickleball Clinics: Fall Sessions to Elevate Your Game
