By OLIVIA BERGMEIER
Lead Reporter - Salina Post
Through the average gusty weather of Kansas yesterday, Thursday, April 18, members of the City of Salina Parks and Recreation staff, leaders at the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce and residents gathered to celebrate the grand opening and ribbon cutting at Oakdale Park's newest feature — full-size pickleball courts.
Stephanie Gillig, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce events and community coordinator, introduced Jeff Hammond, the director of Salina Parks and Recreation, to present some information on the privately funded courts.
"This project was born from a generous group of individuals who sought to provide pickleball to the community," Hammond said. "Anybody can freely use them and enjoy the sport of pickleball."
The anonymous group of donors provided about $500,000 in funding for the new courts, completely covering the construction cost.
Previously, Hammond said the city did have makeshift pickleball courts, so the new courts at Oakdale Park are an addition to the town.
"We do a lot of public-private partnerships, whether it be the Field House or the tennis complex," Hammond said. "But not to this degree and for this size of project and financial commitment, it was quite extraordinary."
After the ribbon cutting, the Salina Area Chamber of Commerce offered a drawing for free pickleball equipment.
Some attendees began playing on the new courts to celebrate the grand opening.
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