Livingston’s New Pickleball Courts: Livingston’s Matthews Street Park is now home to four brand-new pickleball courts, ready for serves, smashes, and plenty of rallies. The city celebrated the grand opening of these much-anticipated courts, which bring the fast-growing sport of pickleball to local players and visitors.
Livingston’s Pickleball Community
For Janette Phillip, one of the town’s dedicated pickleball players, the opening of these courts feels like a personal victory. “I’m just so happy that we have them, and it came to be.” She has been instrumental in bringing the sport to the city. “It’s a dream come true for me and a lot of other people, too.”
Janette Phillip, who moved to Livingston about two years ago, has witnessed an explosion in local interest. A small group of six players has grown to over 40 regulars, with morning and evening pickleball sessions to accommodate everyone’s schedules.
“We have morning group that plays, and we have evening groups that play.” – (Janette Phillip)
The Long Road to Pickleball Courts
The journey to get these courts built wasn’t exactly a straight shot. For the better part of a year, Janette Phillip worked with city staff, lobbying for a dedicated space after her group had spent time making do with modified tennis courts—or hitting the road to play in towns like Conroe. “I actually went to Conroe a few times.” She admitted, highlighting the lengths players were willing to go just to get a game in.
Finally, this April, Livingston gave the green light on construction for four courts, a $179,000 investment drawn from the city’s general funds. Nature didn’t make it easy, though. Severe weather pushed back the project, but eventually, players took to the courts last week.
Bringing the Game Home
For Janette Phillip and her group, the new courts mark a major shift.
“Where we started was on the tennis courts, and we had to bring out our own nets, our own balls, mark our own courts. So now, we have these beautiful four courts that we can just show up and play.” – (Janette Phillip)
And these courts aren’t just about pickleball; they’re part of Livingston’s broader appeal. Janette Phillip sees the courts as an economic booster for the city, drawing in pickleball fans from neighboring areas.
“I think people are moving into Livingston. It’s growing here, and I know people play pickleball all over.” – (Janette Phillip)
The courts are free to use and open to the public daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., inviting anyone with a paddle and a bit of curiosity to come and join the action.
News in Brief: Livingston’s New Pickleball Courts
Livingston has opened four new pickleball courts at Matthews Street Park, thanks to a $179,000 investment from the city’s general funds. The courts, long-awaited by locals, are the result of dedicated efforts from the community, especially pickleball player Janette Phillip.
Previously, players had to use repurposed tennis courts or travel to other towns to play. Open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., the courts are free and are expected to bring an economic boost as interest in the sport grows locally.
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