Bennington Select Board Approves Grant for Willow Park Pickleball Courts Expansion
The pickleball community in Bennington is buzzing with excitement as the town moves forward with plans to build six new dedicated courts at Willow Park. The Select Board unanimously approved a grant application to fund the project, which would greatly expand pickleball access in the area.
With pickleball’s rapid growth in Bennington over the past decade, the demand for more courts has been steadily increasing. The town is seeking $154,799 in grant funding from the Vermont Department of Forests, Parks, and Recreation to cover half of the estimated $309,598 project cost. The remaining funds will come from in-kind work by the town’s highway and buildings departments and the town’s Pennies for Parks fund. If awarded, construction on the courts is expected to begin in the summer of 2026.
Jerry Wall, leader of the Bennington Pickleball Club, highlighted the sport’s popularity in the area, noting that club membership has surpassed 100 active players for the past three years. He emphasized pickleball’s status as the fastest-growing sport in America and expressed excitement about the new courts at Willow Park.
Local players at the Select Board meeting also emphasized the social and economic benefits of pickleball. Jon Wittenbecher of Pownal highlighted the economic impact of the new courts, noting that visitors coming to play on the new courts would likely spend money in the community. Bill Knight, a player in his late 70s, spoke about the health benefits of pickleball, especially for older adults.
Town officials, while some admitted they were new to the sport, expressed enthusiasm for the project. Vice Chair Ed Woods acknowledged the persistent encouragement from a neighbor and pickleball player, Gary Corey, and expressed his excitement for what the new courts will bring to Bennington.
The town will now submit the grant application, with a decision expected later this year. If funding is secured, construction on the new courts at Willow Park will begin in summer 2026, creating one of the region’s best pickleball facilities. The community is eagerly anticipating the expansion of pickleball access in Bennington and the positive impact it will have on the area.
