St. Clairsville Launches New Pickleball Court: Central Park has officially opened its new dual-purpose basketball and pickleball court, offering residents of St. Clairsville an exciting venue for recreational activities. This latest addition reflects the community’s growing enthusiasm for both sports, particularly as pickleball continues to gain popularity across the country.
A Collaborative Effort
The St. Clairsville Parks & Recreation Department spearheaded this expansion, a move driven by a desire to enhance the city’s recreational offerings. Recreation Director Eric Gay shared details about the facility, which is strategically situated at 102 Fair St. The painting of the court was completed in mid-August, allowing eager players to engage in basketball and pickleball matches as soon as it opened.
Crucially, Gulfport Energy played a significant role in funding the project after Gay initiated contact, outlining the vision for the park’s upgrade.
“We were looking to upgrade the park down there and put some things in. And the conversation started back in 2023 when I reached out to Gulfport Energy. … I can’t thank them enough for what they’ve done along with all the other businesses that believed in the vision that we have here, as far as building this entire area up.” – (Eric Gay)
Construction and Features
Zastudil Concrete, based in Toronto, managed all excavation and construction work in May, ensuring that the concrete was set properly before The Final Floor from Sugar Grove painted the lines in August. This collaborative effort shows the community’s commitment to creating a high-quality facility. Additionally, Gay received guidance from Mega Slam Hoops regarding the selection of basketball hoops, ensuring they met the needs of local players.
While the court is now open for public use, Gay noted that the pickleball nets are not yet installed but are expected to be added soon. He is currently developing a comprehensive schedule for the multipurpose court, aiming to accommodate all basketball and pickleball enthusiasts and maximize its usage throughout the week.
Future Plans and Community Impact
Looking ahead, the Parks & Recreation Department has ambitious plans for the court’s future. Gay mentioned that the project will enter a second phase, which includes constructing a fence around the court and installing lighting to allow for evening play.
“I’m very pleased. Gulfport’s very pleased. The city’s very pleased with how that finished product looks.” – (Gay)
This upcoming phase shows the commitment to making the court a fully functional and accessible space for all residents. The support from city administration has been instrumental in bringing this project to fruition. Gay expressed his gratitude toward Mayor Kathryn Thalman, Service Director Scott Harvey, and the city council members.
“It is such a valuable piece to any city. And with all the members that I just mentioned believing in that vision as well, I couldn’t be happier with the support we have received to this department.” – (Gay)
The collaborative efforts and shared vision among city officials, businesses, and residents have been vital in enhancing the local recreational landscape. This new court is also part of a broader Parks & Recreation initiative that includes plans for a 7,000-square-foot indoor facility featuring artificial turf, batting cages, golf bays, and an outdoor volleyball court.
Such developments aim to cater to the diverse interests of the community and promote active lifestyles. Having lived in St. Clairsville and previously teaching at the local elementary school, Gay sees the court as a significant asset to the community.
“It just gives the kids in St. Clairsville and the parents in St. Clairsville a much closer place to home to have things for their kids to do, instead of always having to travel somewhere else to get those kinds of things.” – (Gay)
This central location ensures that families can easily access recreational opportunities, fostering a vibrant community spirit.
News in Brief: St. Clairsville Launches New Pickleball Court
Central Park in St. Clairsville has officially opened a new dual-purpose basketball and pickleball court, funded by Gulfport Energy. Recreation Director Eric Gay emphasized the court’s importance in providing accessible recreational space for the community. Construction was completed in August, with plans for fencing and lighting to enhance usability.
The pickleball facility aims to cater to local families and children, promoting sports engagement in a central location. This addition aligns with broader Parks & Recreation initiatives, including plans for an indoor facility with artificial turf, batting cages, and more, reinforcing the city’s commitment to active living.
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