GLADSTONE, Mich. (WZMQ) – Fans of America’s fastest-growing sport now have a new place to play in Delta County.
Thursday afternoon, Gladstone Area Pickleball held a soft opening for its Courts of Dreams at the John and Melissa Besse Sports Park. The eight dedicated pickleball courts are the result of a crowdfunding effort, which to date has brought in $365,000.
“Prior to this, we’ve had to split up court times on the courts near Jones School, and we couldn’t accommodate everybody at once,” Gladstone Area Pickleball treasurer Janet Shandonay-Beauvais. “It’s going to be great to have everyone together in one place.”
The group is still working to add a second pavilion, benches, sponsor banners, windscreens, paddle holders, and other amenities. For the time being, Shandonay-Beauvais says they are simply happy to offer the community more space to play pickleball.
“It’s just wonderful to be at this point,” she said. “It’s been a long two to three years gathering support, raising funds, and completing this construction. There’s a lot of things along the way, and we’re so happy to be at this point.”
Gladstone Area Pickleball will hold a grand opening for the Courts of Dreams in the spring. The courts are currently exclusive to members from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m., opening to the public in the afternoon. There will be a box set up to collect a “daily fee donation” to continue raising support.
For updates on the Courts of Dreams or to learn more about Gladstone Area Pickleball, join the group on Facebook.
