City of Paris Honors Pickleball Champion Sue Hays: The City of Paris, Texas, celebrated the grand opening of its new pickleball complex on Friday, November 1, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony that honored local player Sue Hays. Hays, whose dedication to the sport has been instrumental in securing the donations necessary to bring the complex to life, was celebrated by the Paris Texas Pickleball, Inc. board and the Paris City Council. In recognition of her efforts, the new facility was named in her honor.
The ceremony also marked the commencement of the first Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament, a weekend-long event that brought together players from across the region. Hosting the event was Joshua Geer, who introduced remarks from Glen Bawcum, a board member of Paris Texas Pickleball, Inc., and Mihir Pankaj, the mayor of Paris.
Opening of the Pickleball Courts
During the ceremony, Bawcum announced the official dedication of the new complex, opening a monument to commemorate Sue Hays’ contributions to the sport and the community.
The new facility boasts eight state-of-the-art courts and is equipped with lighting, wind fencing, and covered seating areas, ensuring comfort and accessibility for both players and spectators.
Growth of Pickleball in Paris: A Community Effort
Pickleball’s rising popularity in the U.S. has sparked a significant increase in play across many communities, and Paris is no exception. Initially, several local churches opened their gymnasiums to accommodate the growing demand for the sport. As the number of players surged, Hays, along with other local players, began pushing for more dedicated courts.
In response to increasing requests, the City of Paris Parks Department converted two tennis courts at Culbertson Park into four pickleball courts. However, with courts filling up quickly and play stretching into the evenings, it became clear that the community needed more space.
Securing Funding and Support for the Complex
Under the leadership of Hays, the Paris Texas Pickleball group set out to meet the community’s needs by securing donations and grants. Working alongside the City of Paris, they identified the ideal location for the eight-court complex.
Thanks to their tireless fundraising and collaborative efforts, the Sue Hays Pickleball Complex has become a reality, enhancing the city’s recreational options and reinforcing Paris as a growing hub for the sport.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The newly dedicated complex features cutting-edge amenities, including handicap accessibility, wind protection, and ample seating for spectators. The Sue Hays Pickleball Complex is now regarded as a model facility, setting the standard for pickleball courts in the area.
News in Brief: City of Paris Honors Pickleball Champion Sue Hays
The City of Paris, Texas, opened its new Sue Hays Pickleball Complex on November 1, dedicating the facility to Sue Hays for her significant efforts in securing donations for its construction.
The complex features eight state-of-the-art courts with amenities such as lighting, wind fencing, and covered seating. The opening coincided with the first Paris Classic Pickleball Tournament, celebrating the growing popularity of the sport in Paris.
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