The Jasper City Council approved Tuesday two different items related to tennis and pickleball courts at recreational facilities in the city.
The council approved a request for permission to send bids for the installation of nine pickleball courts at Memorial Park/Swann Gym, as well as permission to repair and install tennis courts and pickleball courts at A.P. Howell Park.
Mayor David O’Mary thanked council members for those approval, saying “the City of Jasper in the past couple of years has spent more money on enhancing and expanding recreation opportunities than what has ever been spent in this city.”
O’Mary said the improvements approved on Tuesday will have those costs covered substantially by investments already made by the city.
Pickleball has boomed in popularity over the last several years. There are currently 36.5 million pickleball players estimated in the United States according to the Association of Pickleball Professionals in 2022. The Jasper Pickleball group started with four people nearly a year ago, and it has now grown to hundreds playing several times per week. There is a Jasper Pickleball page on Facebook for anyone interested in the sport.
“Jasper is mirroring the country as far as the growth and popularity of pickleball, and what this facility will bring and what we are doing at Coke Oven will bring a lot to our city.”
O’Mary also stressed that all recreational facilities in the city are for all residents.
“I read our Facebook comments, and there are some people who are ill-informed,” O’Mary said. “All our facilities are public facilities and anybody can use any of them. You are not restricted if you live on the east side of the city or the north side of the city. Anybody can use those.”
In other action, the council:
- Recognized members of the Jasper High School wrestling team.
- Presented a Proclamation for Arbor Day.
- Approved of an event permit for the Home and Garden Show by Exp Realty – Harbin Team LLC, May 13, 2023, on 6th Ave S blocked from 17th Street to 18th Street.
- Approved travel for Sgt. DJ Patton and Officer Hanna West to attend SWAT training April 9-14, 2023, in Anniston.
- Approved a budget amendment to provide funding for Jasper Area Family Services Center, for plumbing, grading at the Memorial Park Natatorium APEX Park and fencing for Gamble Park.
