A group of players are having a game of pickleball on the new Wesselman-Roberts Park Pickleball courts Thursday afternoon, just after the ceremonial ribbon-cutting.
Planning for this project began more than two years ago and it’s had ups and downs — like divisive feedback on the location near Wesselman Woods.
Former interim parks director Steve Schaefer heard a lot of that feedback.
“Luckily, the majority came out and ended up supporting it and is supporting it now through playing on the courts.”
Schaefer was also deputy mayor with the Lloyd Winnecke administration, which handled the bulk of the process.
One of those enthusiastic players is Shelley Holder of Newburgh, who believes access to the sport is important.
“I believe it opens a lot of doors to people that like to get outside and get exercise,” she said. “And it's a great social event that we welcome a lot of different age groups and a lot of people play together with different age groups.”
From the podium, Evansville Mayor Stephanie Terry said the spot is already popular.
“We haven't even cut a ribbon yet, and this space is already being activated in the way that I think that was imagined. And so I'm really excited to be a part of this and look forward to how we will continue to grow.”
Parks Director Danielle Crook suggested thanks were owed to the Parks Board members, City Council, ECPA, Evansville Pickleball Outdoor Courts, Evansville Community Tennis Association, Explore Evansville and sponsors.
The facility has tennis courts and16 pickleball courts with restrooms and additional parking.
Construction, not including design, was $2.94 million.
The Paramount Pickleball Tournament hosted by the Evansville Community Pickleball Association (ECPA) has 190 registered.
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