The nation’s fastest growing sport is gaining ground in Cookeville. In the coming months, eight outdoor pickleball courts are being installed at the Cane Creek multipurpose fields.
City officials, including the city council and city manager, broke ground on the project this morning, April 29. Local members of the pickleball community were also in attendance to celebrate the occasion.
“We’ve heard from the community for some time that there is a need for dedicated outdoor courts,” says Rick Woods, director of Cookeville’s Department of Leisure Services and Public Facilities. “This is a terrific opportunity to give local pickleball enthusiasts space to play while also drawing in new players from the surrounding area. We could potentially even host events and tournaments at the new courts.”
The Cane Creek multipurpose fields sit adjacent to the Cane Creek Recreation Center and Gymnasium, making it an ideal location for the outdoor pickleball courts. Woods explained that these would be dedicated courts specifically designed and marked for pickleball use.
Harry Smith, an ambassador for the U.S. Pickleball Association, says the local pickleball community is excited to see the sport being embraced by the city. “These courts are going to fill a tremendous need in Middle Tennessee,” says Smith. “We appreciate the City realizing this need and look forward to the completion of the courts.”
According to Smith, the new pickleball courts at Cane Creek Park will be the only outside dedicated pickleball courts within a 25-mile radius. The addition of the courts is anticipated to boost local enjoyment of the sport while also providing opportunities for tourism to the area.
Leisure Services is optimistic that the courts will be ready for gameplay before fall of 2024. For more information about the courts or pickleball opportunities through the City, contact Leisure Services at 931-520-4386 or visit cookeville-tn.gov/ls.
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Photo caption:
City officials and members of the pickleball community breaking ground on 8 new pickleball courts.
Back row, from left to right: Gunnar Bussell, Carol Gaw, Regina Cope, Janet Larson, John Jaynes, Rick Woods, Councilman Eric Walker, City Vice-Mayor Luke Eldridge, Harry Smith, City Mayor Laurin Wheaton, Councilman Chad Gilbert, Councilman Ali Bagci, James Mills, Mary Beth Elrod, Dave McConnell, Zach Dilldine, Jason Calder, Tammy Goolsby, Barbara Santiago, and Wayne Lewis.
Front row, from left to right: Laurie Solberg , Jennie Malone, Dottie Wilhite, Trish Monday, Kim Layton, Nancy Edwards, and Felice Hunter.