Pickleball Opens in McKenzie

McKENZIE (May 22) — The ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new $300,000 pickleball courts in McKenzie was Monday, May 22.

Mayor Ryan Griffin thanked everyone for attending the official opening of the six courts that are located where the former tennis courts were on Como Street in the McKenzie City Park.

At the opening ceremony were players ready for action. They came from McKenzie, Dresden, Paris, Jackson, Bradford and Huntingdon.

Mayor Griffin said the courts will certainly promote physical activity and attract players from throughout the area.

Bridget Pittman of Dresden said she has driven by the courts and watched the construction in anticipation of opening day. She and her family - Matthew Pittman, Gary Pittman, and Meagan Tucker - were in attendance for the opening ceremonies.

In recent weeks, the Parks Department and Street Department have worked to build concrete walkways and install player benches. Sod completes the exterior landscaping.

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports. It is a mix of tennis and table tennis. The courts are smaller than tennis and played at a slower pace. It is for athletes in elementary school to senior adults.

The courts are lighted with all-new LED fixtures, said Billy Hollowell, director of the parks. Hollowell said the lights are controlled by a switch that activates the lights for one hour at a time. As the expiration time approaches, an indicator light alerts players, who can then activate the lights for another one hour. The lights shut down at 11 p.m.

Funding for the courts was through the President Biden administration’s American Rescue Plan. City funding was approved during the Mayor Holland administration. Griffin thanked his predecessor for approving the construction of the courts.