Groundbreaking Ceremony for Watertown’s New Pickleball Facility Excites Enthusiasts and City Officials
Pickleball enthusiasts in Watertown, South Dakota have reason to celebrate as the city breaks ground on a new pickleball facility. The long-awaited ceremony was attended by dozens of excited players and city officials, marking the beginning of a project that has been in the works for years.
Jolette Kosier, a member of the Pickleball Association, rallied the crowd and set the tone for the event. The enthusiasm was palpable as construction is set to begin this Friday on the new eight-court facility. With an expected completion date of October 4, players can look forward to enjoying the new courts in just a few short months.
The project comes with a price tag of $600,000, with the City of Watertown contributing $450,000 and the Pickleball Association raising an impressive $367,000. The community support was evident, with a $50,000 grant from the Watertown Area Community Foundation helping to make the facility a reality. The excess funds raised by the Pickleball Association will go towards additional amenities such as wind screens and lighting for the courts.
Mayor Ried Holien expressed his gratitude to the local pickleball players whose passion and dedication drove the project forward. Kosier shared that the desire for a dedicated pickleball facility in Watertown dates back to 2017, with the formation of a nonprofit organization in 2021 to facilitate fundraising efforts.
City Manager Amanda Mack and City Councilman Bruce Buhler also spoke at the groundbreaking ceremony, thanking all those involved in making the project possible. Buhler highlighted the positive impact the new courts will have on residents’ quality of life, as well as the potential for future pickleball tournaments to boost the city’s sales tax revenue.
As construction gets underway, the anticipation and excitement among the pickleball community in Watertown continue to grow. The new facility promises to be a hub for players of all skill levels, providing a dedicated space for the sport to thrive in the city. With completion just around the corner, players can soon look forward to enjoying the game they love in a state-of-the-art facility built with their passion in mind.