Andy Close
WARREN, Pa. – It’s a moment two years in the making.
The Warren Pickleball Inc. gathered on Thursday at Betts Park to celebrate the groundbreaking of eight brand new dedicated state-of-the-art pickleball courts at Betts Park adjacent to the Bocce Courts, reaching their fundraising goal of $250,000.
Work is officially scheduled to begin on Monday (April 10).
“We’ve been at it for almost two years from where it started to where it is today,” said Doug James, President of Warren Pickleball Inc. “I’m just so proud of everybody that’s worked for this project and what a great addition to the city of Warren and Warren County.”
It’s been a long and at times tedious process to get where they are now, but one that was well worth it in the fact that it is bringing many people in the community together.
The growth of Warren Pickleball Inc. is proof positive of that.
“From when we came back to Warren, there were approximately 35 people playing and now we have between 150 and 200 within less than two years,” James said. “It’s the fastest-growing sport in the world. And I think Warren’s got that pickleball bug now.”
The courts at Betts Park will not only be the first of their kind in the area but also provide an ideal location for city and county residents alike.
“It’s a great location, right of Route 6, and it’s going to allow people from outlying communities to come and see what Warren has to offer,” noted James.
Lakeshore Paving and project manager Jake Pangborn will be doing the majority of the work, as well as Warren Fence Co.
James made sure to note that this was a total team effort by the Warren Pickleball Inc. board, which includes Kim Mong (secretary), Dawn Pavock (treasurer), Jon Marti (vice president), Zac Sturdevant, Nicole Phillips, Kim Lane, Barb Zawacki, Marianne Malloy, Martha Betts, Jim Fiscus, and Jamie Steffan.
“We have 11 other board members that have done a lot of work and everybody’s pitched in as a community and as far as funding, was beyond our expectations.”
The target date for completion is mid to late June.
“The city has been great to work with and has been more than accommodating,” James said. “We’re all very excited.”
