Staying in the pickleball loop just got easier

Get the 5-minute newsletter over 40,000+ of your pickleball friends read every week.

By subscribing you agree to the Pickleball Union's Privacy Policy and Terms & Conditions

“High Demand” For Pickleball In Franklin, Indiana, Means Six New Pickleball Courts For The Town

Adam HowarthBy Updated:3 Mins Read
Phil Hendershott and Celeste Hookat Youngs Creek Park in Franklin. Image courtesy of Ryan O’Leary, Daily Journal
Phil Hendershott and Celeste Hookat Youngs Creek Park in Franklin. Image courtesy of Ryan O’Leary, Daily Journal

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.

The revamped Community Park - image courtesy of Waylon O'Donnell, The Daily Journal
The revamped Community Park – image courtesy of Waylon O’Donnell, The Daily Journal

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.

Troy Wright and Marianna Richards at Youngs Creek Park in Franklin - Image courtesy of Ryan O’Leary, Daily Journal
Troy Wright and Marianna Richards at Young’s Creek Park in Franklin – Image courtesy of Ryan O’Leary, Daily Journal

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.

Image by Boys And Girls Clubs of Johnson County
Image by Boys And Girls Clubs of Johnson County

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.”

The parking lot behind the Franklin Boys' And Girls' Club - image courtesy of Waylon O'Donnell, The Daily Journal
The parking lot behind the Franklin Boys’ And Girls’ Club – image courtesy of Waylon O’Donnell, The Daily Journal

He also left room for the possibility of reintroducing a tennis court to Community Park should there be a demand in the future.

smart mag child\assets\img\YouTube Thumbnail Featured Image.jpg

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate it!

We are sorry that this post was not useful for you!

Let us improve this post!

Tell us how we can improve this post?

Share.

When I first started writing about pickleball, I hadn't appreciated the huge range of related features it encompasses: from building communities and players fighting against court closures to overcoming health challenges and raising money for charity, it's a whole new world! I love the stories about the smaller towns from the farthest-flung corners of the U.S. and how those residents have adopted pickleball to create friendships and community spirit.

Related Posts