Six new pickleball courts are set to debut this spring in downtown Franklin, Indiana, following the recent pavement installation on Wednesday.
These courts will be situated at Community Park on East King Street and in close proximity to Hurricane Creek. Mayor Steve Barnett noted that they will replace the previously worn-out tennis courts, which had fallen into disuse.
“Wildly Popular”
The park is also scheduled to unveil an upgraded basketball court. According to Waylon O’Donnell at dailyjournal.net, The anticipated completion date for all the work is either April or May of 2024.
Chip Orner, the Director of Parks in Franklin, Indiana, emphasized the nationwide popularity of pickleball, stating, “Pickleball is wildly popular all over the country, not just in Franklin. We are getting a high demand for them, so we are putting in more.”
At present, Franklin boasts a total of twelve pickleball courts, with an additional eight located at Young’s Creek Park.
“Low-Impact”
Compared to tennis courts, pickleball courts are more compact, measuring 20 feet by 44 feet and constructed from asphalt, as explained by Rocky Stutz, the Assistant Superintendent of the Parks Department.
Stutz highlighted the inclusive nature of pickleball, stating, “Pickleball is a great sport for people of all ages and athletic abilities. It is low-impact and can be played anywhere with a portable net, some paddles, and a few friends.
“It is a great way to have groups socialize, exercise, and enjoy the outdoors in the community. People that play get the benefit of low-impact movement, competition, and being able to take in some of the great parks that we have in Franklin.”
Collaborative Effort
In addition to the new courts, there are plans to repave the parking lot outside the Boys & Girls Club and add more parking spaces near the park. Mayor Barnett disclosed that the Boys & Girls Club project is estimated to cost $98,050, while the Community Park project will require an investment of $312,450.
Mayor Barnett expressed his satisfaction with the collaborative effort between the Franklin Board of Public Works and Safety and the Parks Department in revitalizing Community Park.
“Working Towards A Healthier Franklin”
He stated, “Improving the quality of life and working towards a healthier Franklin is always good for our community. I am looking forward to seeing the completion next spring and seeing people enjoy their day as they improve their health.”
He also left room for the possibility of reintroducing a tennis court to Community Park should there be a demand in the future.
