Town cuts ribbon on new pickleball complex
The Town officially cut the ribbon on its new nine-court pickleball complex in Mayor Bob Leonard Park, along Harrison Road, Tuesday, Dec. 16.
“This is a long time coming,”
Town Parks & Recreation director Ron Oestreich said. “We’re excited to cut the ribbon.”
“Thank you for coming out today to celebrate the completion of the Mayor Bob Leonard Pickleball complex,” Farragut Mayor Ron Williams said. “We know that these courts will be used well by our local pickleballers.”
“We opened it on [Wednesday] Dec. 3, and these courts have been busy,” Oestreich said. “Everyone’s enjoying them.
“I was complimented the other day about the lights,” he added. “You can see these lights from space. They are beautiful.
“We have heard nothing but compliments on the courts, and we’re really excited to bring this project to you,” Oestreich said.
“One of the most notable things about this project was how quickly the Board of Mayor and Aldermen and Town staff were able to respond to the need for pickleball courts that wouldn’t impact nearby homes with noise,” Williams said. “The Board approved this project in April of last year; and after spending some time on the design, construction began in June of this year.
“As most of you know, this is lightning speed for government work,” he added.
The mayor recognized Ross-Fowler for the complex’s design, as well as builder, Baseline Construction, Town of Farragut Engineering inspector Ben White, “who ensured that the project was built to specifications,” Williams said.
Additionally, he recognized Oestreich and the Parks & Recreation Department for their fast, efficient work and the Parks & Athletics Council, which contributed helpful feedback.
“Farragut has incredible park amenities for a town
of its size, and these new
dedicated pickleball courts make our park system even better,” the mayor added. “Thank you to everyone who made them happen.”
Farragut resident George Ellis also recognized former Vice Mayor Louise Povlin “as the motivating force.
“Without her, it never would have happened,” he added. Building the new courts also “showed that Mr. Oestreich could map and facilitate a new pickleball court from beginning to end.”
“Thank you, everybody,” Farragut resident Pamela Zina said. “We appreciate it so much.”
“It’s amazing,” Farragut pickleball player Carlos Reveiz said. “I’m very proud what the Town did. There was a lot of work, and it literally is a state-of-the-art facility that a lot of people are going to take advantage, not just us old people but a lot of young people.
“I’ve actually seen a bunch playing out here, their moms, their dads, the kids” he said.
“What other sport brings people out together to play. And, people come from other places, they’re going to spend their tax dollars here in Farragut,” Reveiz said.
“The only problem is, they will realize they have to build more because they are already packed,” he added.
