EASTHAMPTON — Pickleball has boomed in popularity the past few years. So much so, the city has doubled-up on their courts in Nonotuck Park, now with a total of four.
The courts were unveiled at a grand opening of the two new pickleball courts earlier this month. The pickleball courts, located next to the soccer fields in Nonotuck Park, have been a hot spot for all ages to get active.
“After seeing how much play we had, it warranted two additional courts and the cost was lower than other communities because the area was prepped,” said John Mason, director of the Parks & Recreation Department.
While the grand opening was just a few weeks ago, construction began early in the summer before wrapping up toward the end of the same season.
According to Mason, the first two courts were constructed in 2020 and since the area was already prepped, the two new courts were easier and cheaper to install.
“They are right next to the original, so it looks like the project was all done at once,” he said.
Mason said the estimated cost of the project was around $90,000, coming from Community Preservation Act (CPA) funds and fundraising efforts from local supporters of the courts. The group has held several fundraisers throughout the past several years and received donations form local businesses.
CPA funding for the courts passed unanimously by the CPA committee at its meeting on Nov. 21, 2024.
The courts are available for play during Nonotuck Park’s hours, which change seasonally. While the park will be closing at the end of October for the winter, the courts will be waiting for pickleball lovers when spring arrives.
