Eagle Scout Park Becomes Pickleball Hub: The air was thick with excitement on November 16 as hundreds gathered at Eagle Scout Park to celebrate the grand opening of 10 new permanent pickleball courts. The momentous event was a milestone for the city, which now boasts courts that will allow players to leave their nets at home.
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City’s Vision Comes to Life
City Parks and Recreation Director Vince Gizzi shared his excitement with the crowd, noting that the opening of the courts marked the result of years of effort.
My staff and I are so pleased and excited that we can finally offer pickleball courts that will serve our community for many years to come. We thank our residents for being so patient while we were going through an extensive community involvement process followed by design and then ultimately construction.” – (Vince Gizzi)
A Changing Perspective
For Jennifer Bramley, Dunedin’s city manager since 2017, the journey to this day wasn’t always clear-cut. As a former tennis player, she initially dismissed the rise of pickleball.
“When I became city manager, Vince told me we needed dedicated pickleball courts. At the time, I thought it was a fad. I wasn’t sure we needed them.” – (Jennifer Bramley)
However, a few years later, after seeing the growing demand, Bramley found herself in the midst of impassioned debates in the City Commission chambers.
“As a group you are pretty impressive. I can tell you that much. We had many, many discussions about the need for dedicated pickleball courts.” – (Jennifer Bramley)
The Effort Pays Off
The project, which garnered numerous rounds of applause during the ceremony, was a testament to the dedication of everyone involved, especially the tireless work of the city’s Parks and Recreation department.
“When the parks and recreation department does a project, they don’t go half…” Bramley said, finishing the sentence with an approving nod toward the department’s work.
Meeting Players’ Needs
The new courts reflect the community’s input. Gizzi and his team made sure to incorporate shade, adding five awnings down the center of the courts, and providing 10 benches for players waiting their turn.
“We listened to the players,” Gizzi said. The courts also feature state-of-the-art LED lighting and bicycle racks to ensure players have everything they need for a comfortable experience.
A Long Road to Victory
Mayor Moe Freaney, who played a key role in the effort, shared a lighthearted but proud moment during the ceremony. “Vince has a lot of battle scars,” she said, referencing the challenges faced in convincing the city commissioners of the need for dedicated pickleball courts. “He had to beat up on the commission like we need these,” Freaney joked, earning applause for Gizzi.
A Boost to the Community
Jessica Raines, a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee, emphasized the long-term impact the courts will have on Dunedin.
“Permanent pickleball courts in downtown Dunedin is an amenity that will add to property values and quality of life for so many.” – (Jessica Raines)
The courts will be open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., and are available for free on a first-come, first-served basis, with players encouraged to follow posted rules and proper etiquette.
A Grand Conclusion
As the ceremony concluded, the city commissioners and other guests took to the courts to try out the new facilities. “It took us a while to get here, so let’s play some ball,” Bramley said, a fitting conclusion to a long-awaited project.
News in Brief: Eagle Scout Park Becomes Pickleball Hub
Dunedin officially opened its 10 new permanent pickleball courts at Eagle Scout Park on November 16. City officials, including Parks and Recreation Director Vince Gizzi and City Manager Jennifer Bramley, celebrated the courts’ completion after a lengthy community involvement and construction process.
The courts, open daily from 7 a.m. to 10 p.m., feature shaded areas, LED lights, and bicycle racks. Free and available on a first-come, first-served basis, they provide a dedicated space for pickleball players.
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