By Don Steen
Staff Writer n reporter@psci.net
Rockport’s new pickleball courts are officially open for business at the city park. While Monday was a bit rainy to christen them with play, a crowd still gathered at the community center to formally dedicate the newest addition to the city.
The four new pickleball courts were made possible by city workers, the Association for a Better Rockport, city government and lots of help from volunteers and private donors. One donor in particular, Andrew Stephens, was instrumental in spearheading the project, and ensuring the courts were built to official pickleball specifications.
Stephens, a former resident, has always had an athletic background. He joked with his former coach, Ferman Yearby III, about his time in track during his high school years here. That was some time ago, of course.
“It does seem a little surreal to be standing here 50 years after we graduated,” said Stephens. “I left Rockport, but Rockport never left me.”
He picked up pickleball as a relatively low-impact alternative to other sports, and a popular activity among older athletes. The sport’s popularity has also grown by leaps and bounds among all demographics, however.
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, about 48.3 million American adults have played pickleball at least once within the last year. There are now more than 10,000 pickleball locations in the United States. The sport enjoys wide popularity across gender and age, though the 18 to 34 age bracket leads the pack with 28% of total players.
As a result, Stephens increased his support for the project to bring the total number of courts at the park from one to four.
“It’s going to be successful,” he said. “People would be frustrated with just one.”
Following a ribbon cutting ceremony, all those who helped make the new feature possible were given a commemorative pickleball bearing the city’s name.
The new courts were built by contractor Tarkett Sports, who have been working since early August. The new courts have a 50-year warranty and are built with high-strength steel cables within the concrete. They should be able to withstand the elements, and regular use, for decades.
Further upgrades are planned to improve accessibility. A new parking lot will be located by the old horseshoe pits. New lighting will be installed over the winter to allow players to use the courts in the evening.
Mayor Cathy Kirkpatrick encouraged Rockport residents and those from neighboring communities to come out and give the sport a try, or help teach newer players. “Play ball,” she said as the ribbon was formally cut at last Monday’s dedication ceremony.
Featured Image: Andrew Stephens and Mayor Cathy Kirkpatrick cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of the four new pickleball courts at Rockport City Park. Due to rain, the celebration was held inside the community center.
Pictured from left are Kimberly Stephens, Andrew Stephens, Mayor Cathy Kirkpatrick, Rochelle Seneff, Kim Ficker and Megan Vance. On right: The new pickleball courts at Rockport City Park stand ready to receive players.
