OTHELLO — The City of Othello officially opened new pickleball courts at Lions Park on Wednesday. The opening comes after a remodeling of the tennis facility at the park. The project included rehabilitation of the playing surface, and the conversion of several tennis courts to pickleball courts. Two tennis courts remain, in addition to the courts available at Kiwanis Park.
According to Othello’s Director of Parks and Recreation Valerie Hernandez, pickleball is an increasingly popular sport. It combines elements of tennis and table tennis and can be played indoors and outdoors. “A Washington State ferry once even had a pickleball court on it,” Hernandez said. Hernandez also said that there has been a lot of interest in bringing the sport to Othello. “We had people come to our council meetings during public comment. They said they were interested in it.”
The courts will be available on a first-come, first-served basis during the regular hours of the park. “We can’t wait to see them filled with energy and fun,” Hernandez told ceremony attendees.
“This is a significant day in the community vitality of Othello,” said Othello Mayor Shawn Logan. “Let’s let the fun begin! I’m really excited about it. I know a lot of people have asked us for years to put something like this together. And we finally have it ready.”
The sport of pickleball was created on Bainbridge Island, WA in 1965 as a children’s backyard game. It has since grown into worldwide popularity among all ages. In 2022, it was named the official sport of Washington. Like tennis, pickleball can be played one-one-one or as doubles.
City staff christened the new courts by playing a few short matches against each other after the opening remarks.
