The Smithfield Pickleball League, consisting of around 180 enthusiastic players who gather every Sunday morning at the tennis courts near Deerfield Park, is set to benefit from new pickleball nets. This improvement comes as a result of a grant secured by State Senator David Tikoian. The league, which continues to expand, has been sharing four pickleball courts with tennis players at Deerfield Park.
Efforts and Challenges
Tikoian revealed that despite their efforts to secure a larger grant to repurpose old tennis courts at Willow Field into pickleball courts, the town’s application was unsuccessful. The Department of Environmental Management did not award Smithfield a grant from a $400,000 fund. Undeterred, Tikoian pursued a $5,000 legislative grant for the town’s Recreation Department, which was successfully awarded in July.
“I was so disappointed, as were Paul and Lucille. Not to give up, I applied for a $5,000 legislative grant for our town Recreation Department, which we were awarded in July.” – (Tikoian)
New Equipment and Benefits
The $5,000 grant has been allocated for necessary recreational supplies and the purchase of four top-of-the-line portable pickleball nets. These new nets will enable up to 16 players to participate simultaneously and reduce the time spent on setting up and removing the older, smaller nets.
Positive Reactions
Paul and Lucille Borrelli, the league’s organizers, expressed their excitement about the new equipment. Lucille Borrelli highlighted the dedication of the players, noting, “This donation is incredible for us.” Earlier this month, the league members inaugurated the new nets and enjoyed their first games with them.
News in Brief: Smithfield Pickleball League
Smithfield Pickleball League players will enjoy enhanced gameplay with the addition of four new portable pickleball nets, funded by a $5,000 legislative grant secured by Senator David Tikoian. Despite an initial setback in obtaining a larger grant for repurposing tennis courts, the new nets will accommodate up to 16 players simultaneously and streamline setup.
Organizers Paul and Lucille Borrelli expressed their enthusiasm, noting the significant benefit for the dedicated players. The league members have already started using the new nets, marking an exciting upgrade for the community.
Also Read: Dill Dinkers’ Simsbury Pickleball Club Set To Open This Sunday
