Pickleball is a fun and popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis. It is played on a court with a net, paddles, and a plastic ball with holes. Pickleball can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels, as it is easy to learn and offers a great workout.
If you are a pickleball enthusiast or want to try it out for the first time, you will be happy to know that a new pickleball facility is coming to Ben Hawes Park in Owensboro, Kentucky. The facility will be located within the 297.7 acre park that was acquired by the city in 2010¹. Ben Hawes Park already offers a variety of recreational amenities, such as golf courses, hiking trails, disc golf, sand volleyball, and playgrounds².
The pickleball facility is a result of a partnership agreement between the City of Owensboro and River City Pickleball, Inc. (RCP), a local association of pickleball players. The agreement was approved by the city on December 5, 2023. According to the agreement, RCP will provide sponsorship funding for the construction and maintenance of the facility, while the city will provide the land and utilities. The facility will have 12 outdoor pickleball courts, with lighting, fencing, and seating. The facility will be open to the public, with priority given to RCP members during certain hours. The facility is expected to be completed by the summer of 2024.
The pickleball facility will be a great addition to Ben Hawes Park and the Owensboro community. It will provide a new opportunity for recreation, fitness, and socialization for residents and visitors alike. It will also promote the growth and development of pickleball as a sport in the region. Pickleball is already gaining popularity in Owensboro, as evidenced by the success of the Owensboro Pickleball Classic, an annual tournament that attracts hundreds of players from across the country.
FAQs
Pickleball can be played as singles or doubles. The game starts with a serve from behind the baseline, diagonally across the court. The serve must clear the non-volley zone, also known as the kitchen, which is a 7-foot area on both sides of the net. The ball must bounce once before it can be returned by the opponent. The rally continues until the ball is hit out of bounds, into the net, or in the non-volley zone by a player who is also in the non-volley zone. The first side to score 11 points and lead by at least two points wins the game.
You can play pickleball at the new facility in Ben Hawes Park, which will have 12 outdoor pickleball courts, with lighting, fencing, and seating. The facility will be open to the public, with priority given to River City Pickleball, Inc. (RCP) members during certain hours. You can also play pickleball at other locations in Owensboro, such as the Edge Ice Center, the Owensboro Parks and Recreation Department, and the Owensboro Family YMCA. You can find more information about pickleball venues and events in Owensboro on the RCP website.
RCP is a local association of pickleball players that promotes the sport and organizes tournaments, clinics, and social events in Owensboro. You can join RCP by filling out an online membership form and paying an annual fee of $25. As a member, you will enjoy benefits such as discounts on pickleball equipment, access to RCP events, priority use of the pickleball facility in Ben Hawes Park, and more. You can also follow RCP on Facebook and Instagram for updates and news.
Conclusion
Pickleball is a fun and popular sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages and skill levels. It offers a great opportunity for recreation, fitness, and socialization. The new pickleball facility in Ben Hawes Park will be a great addition to the Owensboro community and the region. It will provide a state-of-the-art venue for pickleball players and enthusiasts to play, learn, and have fun. If you are interested in pickleball, you can visit the RCP website to learn more about the sport, the facility, and the association. You can also join RCP to become part of a welcoming and supportive community of pickleball lovers in Owensboro. And soon, you will be able to enjoy playing pickleball at the new facility in Ben Hawes Park, where you can have fun, stay healthy, and make new friends.