Wetzel Commission President Lisa Heasley cuts the ribbon officially opening the new pickleball courts inside the Durig Shelter. The ribbon is being held by Commissioner Carla McBee and Commissioner Kelly Nelson.
At noon on April 15, the newly opened Durig Shelter was dedicated as the new Pickleball center within the county. The building was formerly the open walled picnic shelter in the center of the 4-H Grounds. It has been the center of many events for several decades. Time and weather had taken a toll. With the structure needing financial support to be upgraded, the decision was made to rebuild the structure with two major uses for the building. It will be used for the traditional center during the annual Town and Country Days events. And with its closed walls, it can now serve many needs for usable shelter throughout the year.
But the main goal of the restructuring of the building was to have indoor courts where the popular new sport of Pickleball can be played when the outside weather is bad. The Structure has two game courts for players to use.
Before 2022, the word Pickle Ball was not known to residents of the area according to Brent Crosman, a member of the local pickleball club. He explained in his presentation how the game was created and the benefits for players. He said to think of it as a ping-pong game where players stand on the table. The game is low impact and suitable for players who may have some aches and pains. He explained since he began playing, he has seen a drop in his weight and blood pressure which he credits to the game.
Since a couple of players began playing in the Brooklin Park in 2022, the number of players in the area has increased to the hundreds. New courts are being set up every few months in the surrounding towns. These two at the 4-H Camp will add indoor game areas.
The day’s event was kicked off by Sharon Campbell, director of the county’s Chamber of Commerce. In the audience there were nearly 50 people in attendance for the grand opening. Mrs. Campbell explained how the game is growing in popularity, and has great benefits for local citizens to improve their physical workouts while having fun.
Lori Wykert, events Coordinator for the Wetzel County Commission, spoke to the benefits this kind of game center has for the county. She has been in place for 60 days and is working to make the citizens of the county aware of the opportunities and facilities that are available to them. She can help to plan events in the county’s facilities for groups who want to have gatherings. She is out in the community working with new businesses and current businesses to build bridges between them and people in the area. In order to schedule time on the indoor courts, you may contact Lauren at, (lwykert@wetzelwv.com) or phone 304-266-1607
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4-H Pickleball Court Dedicated – wetzelchronicle.com
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