BELLVILLE CITY COUNCIL APPROVES PICKLEBALL GRANT
The Bellville City Council has approved a grant from the Bellville Economic Development Corporation (BEDC) to refurbish a set of old tennis courts and repurpose them for the sport of pickleball.
The council voted unanimously at its meeting last week to award the $42,033 grant to the Bellville Pickleball Club.
The grant is contingent on the club receiving a Certificate of Formation and Memorandum of Understanding with Bellville ISD. The memorandum is necessary as the courts are located on Bellville ISD property, behind the district’s Administration Building.
The tennis courts, which were built in 1947 in memory of students who died during their service in World War II, have not been used for tennis for several years. Bellville ISD has voiced its support for the conversion project.
Pickleball is a family-friendly paddle sport that brings together elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. Two to four players use a wiffle-ball and composite paddles, on a surface half the size of a tennis court with a slightly lower net.
Work on the courts is expected to begin within 90 days. Once they are ready, the school district will assume maintenance responsibilities.
BEDC President Garrett Dornon said this project gives the community a recreational opportunity in a park-like setting. He added that, with these new courts, the 25 people in the Bellville Pickleball Club will no longer need to drive to Brenham to play.
When not in use by the Bellville Pickleball Club, the courts will be open for the general public.
My wife loves to play pickle balls. I introduced my wife to the game back when we were dating. I’m glad that the popularity of pickle balls is growing in small towns everywhere. It is a great cardiovascular workout.