Inaugural Paris Classic Tournament: On Friday, November 1, the City of Paris Sports Complex unveiled its brand-new pickleball courts, a project dedicated to Sue Hays, whose tireless efforts secured the donations needed to bring the facility to life. The dedication ceremony, a tribute to Sue Hays’ leadership in growing the sport locally.
A Ceremony to Remember
The ribbon-cutting ceremony was emceed by Joshua Geer, who introduced remarks from Glen Bawcum, a board member of Paris Texas Pickleball, Inc., and Paris Mayor Mihir Pankaj. Bawcum took the opportunity to announce the naming of the courts in honor of Sue Hays and unveiled a commemorative monument that will stand at the complex, forever linking her contributions to the sport’s success in the area.
From Church Gyms to State-of-the-Art Courts
As pickleball gained momentum across the country, the sport’s popularity also grew in Paris. Initially, local churches hosted informal matches in their gymnasiums, but with increasing demand, Sue Hays and others pushed for more. In response, the City of Paris Parks Department converted two tennis courts at Culbertson Park into four dedicated Pickleball courts. Despite the expansion, the demand for more play space continued, prompting Hays to spearhead efforts for a larger, permanent facility.
The Sue Hays Pickleball Complex
Thanks to the efforts of the Paris Texas Pickleball group, led by Hays, donations and grants were secured, and a location was chosen for the eight-court complex. The new facility is designed with the latest amenities, including lighting, wind fencing, and covered seating areas for both players and spectators. Handicap accessibility was also prioritized, ensuring that the complex is welcoming to all. The Sue Hays Pickleball Complex is now considered a state-of-the-art venue, serving as a testament to the vision and dedication of Sue Hays and the growing Pickleball community in Paris.
News in Brief: Inaugural Paris Classic Tournament
A ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Sue Hays Pickleball Complex took place on November 1 at the City of Paris Sports Complex. Dedicated to local enthusiast Sue Hays for her role in securing the necessary donations, the event marked the start of the inaugural Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament. The state-of-the-art eight-court complex features lighting, wind fences, and seating areas, with an emphasis on accessibility. The complex is expected to serve as a hub for the growing pickleball community in Paris.
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