Pickleball Courts Arrive in Shadyside Thanks to Community Collaboration
Residents of Shadyside, Ohio, can now enjoy the popular sport of pickleball thanks to the efforts of the Mead Township Park District and an anonymous donor. The project, spearheaded by Shadyside Village Council member Melanie Haswell and Mead Township Park District Chairman Tim Merryman, involved the resurfacing of a former basketball court to create two pickleball courts.
The idea for the pickleball courts came from residents who expressed a desire for a place to play the sport within the village. Initially, the plan was to construct a temporary court, but after further inspection, Haswell and Merryman decided to resurface the entire court. With the generous contribution of $14,000 from the anonymous donor, the project became a reality.
Merryman highlighted the collaboration between various entities, including Mead Township, the village of Shadyside, Shadyside Youth Baseball and Softball, and Junior Sports Organization, in making the project happen. Haswell, who participated in a pickleball boot camp class in Wheeling, emphasized the growing popularity of pickleball in the Ohio Valley.
Both Merryman and Haswell are excited about the potential for leagues and tournaments on the new courts. They encourage players to be courteous and rotate in others waiting to play. While the courts currently have rollaway nets, the goal is to install permanent nets in the future. The park may also offer paddles and balls for those interested in trying out pickleball.
With the addition of the pickleball courts, hockey will no longer be allowed on the resurfaced court. Residents interested in playing hockey are directed to other nearby locations. To rent the Mead Township Park District for outdoor gatherings, individuals can contact the park’s Facebook page.
Overall, the introduction of pickleball in Shadyside has been met with enthusiasm and excitement, providing residents with a new recreational opportunity in their community.
