Pickleball Courts to be Transformed in Shenango: Shenango Township is on the verge of a transformation. Over the past five years, the township’s pickleball courts have set a trend, attracting players to what has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S. But as the township prepares to welcome a new indoor pickleball and sports bar later this year, officials are eyeing the pickleball courts for a fresh, innovative use.
Revamping the Courts
Supervisor Brandon Rishel and Township Manager Albert Burick III are steering efforts to repurpose the existing pickleball courts.
“We’re going to transfer the use of that property for kids. We want to find something that will draw people in.” – (Burick)
Originally constructed in the late ’90s, the courts saw minimal upkeep and scant use.
“We didn’t have use for them. We didn’t have users for that.” – (Burick)
Investment and Community Support
The township plans to allocate around $100,000 for the redevelopment of the courts and surrounding area. Burick emphasized that this investment won’t detract from local businesses, particularly Ascent Pickleball, which has invested significantly in opening new indoor courts and a sports bar at Shenango Commons plaza. “We’re very thankful for the investment they have done in the community,” Rishel said, showing the township’s support for the business.
Future Considerations
The township’s recreation board is actively exploring potential new uses for the courts, with cost estimates dependent on the chosen replacement. Meanwhile, Shenango has already spent $30,000 on resurfacing the courts in 2017 and an additional $16,000 this year, funded through the township’s pickleball association. The association benefited from a fee waiver this year to ease the transition.
Looking ahead, the township is contemplating adding pickleball courts to Byers Park in South New Castle by 2026. Burick, who is also the secretary of the borough set to merge with the township, mentioned plans for a park “facelift” with new pickleball and basketball courts, along with updated playground equipment.
Community Projects and Volunteer Opportunities
As part of its broader community efforts, Shenango is also working on an inclusive playground project, led by the non-profit Declyn’s Dream LLC, aimed at accommodating children with various disabilities.
The old playground equipment at Shenango Community Park will remain in place until new equipment arrives on September 28, with installation planned for October.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts to be Transformed in Shenango
Shenango Township is revamping its pickleball courts to introduce a new, kid-focused attraction. The transformation is part of a broader strategy to support local businesses, including the upcoming Ascent Pickleball and sports bar. With $100,000 earmarked for the project, officials are exploring options for the new facility.
Additionally, Shenango is considering adding pickleball courts to Byers Park by 2026 and is working on an inclusive playground project. The township has recently invested $46,000 in resurfacing the current courts, using funds from the local pickleball association.
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