Paris’ New Pickleball Facility Sets New Standards: On Friday, November 1, Sue Hays cut the red ribbon to officially open the newly constructed Pickleball courts at the City of Paris Sports Complex. Hays, a passionate advocate for the sport, was honored for her pivotal role in securing donations and rallying support for the project. The Paris Texas Pickleball, Inc. board and the Paris City Council agreed to dedicate the new complex in her name as a recognition of her significant contributions.
Inaugural Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament Kicks Off
The ribbon-cutting ceremony coincided with the opening of the inaugural Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament, a weekend-long event that brought players from across the region to compete. Emceed by Joshua Geer, the ceremony featured remarks from key community figures, including Glen Bawcum, a board member of Paris Texas Pickleball, and Paris Mayor Mihir Pankaj.
A Monument to Sue Hays’ Dedication
During the ceremony, Bawcum unveiled a monument dedicated to Hays, marking the new courts as the Sue Hays Pickleball Complex. The decision to name the complex after Hays highlights her leadership and dedication to growing the sport in the community. As the popularity of Pickleball surged nationwide, Paris, Texas, embraced the sport with enthusiasm, and the need for more courts became evident.
From Church Gyms to a State-of-the-Art Facility
Pickleball’s rise in Paris began when local churches opened their gyms for casual matches. Recognizing the demand for more dedicated facilities, Hays and her team worked with the City of Paris Parks Department to convert two tennis courts at Culbertson Park into four Pickleball courts. With the growth of the sport, Hays led efforts to further expand the facilities.
The State-of-the-Art Sue Hays Pickleball Complex
The newly opened Sue Hays Pickleball Complex boasts eight courts, complete with modern amenities such as lighting, wind fences, covered seating areas for both players and spectators, and full handicap accessibility. This state-of-the-art facility offers a top-tier experience for both casual players and competitive athletes, solidifying Paris’ reputation as a destination for Pickleball enthusiasts.
News in Brief: Paris’ New Pickleball Facility Sets New Standards
A new Pickleball complex was dedicated to Sue Hays on November 1 at the City of Paris Sports Complex. The courts were named in her honor for her efforts in securing donations and leading the initiative. The ceremony coincided with the inaugural Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament. The state-of-the-art complex features eight courts, lighting, seating, and full accessibility, enhancing the city’s growing Pickleball community.
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