The Adel Chamber of Commerce, along with the Adel Parks and Recreation Department, made an appearance at Evans Park on Wednesday to officially open brand new pickleball courts.

During the ribbon cutting ceremony, Adel Parks and Rec Director Nick Schenck acknowledged that the courts are plexi-paved and have acrylic surfacing. He details that the courts will be getting permanent signage that will display playing hours as well as rules and regulations, plus the installation of benches. 

Mayor Jim Peters spoke next and gave a history about the game of pickleball, noting that it was created in 1965 within the state of Washington, which stems from pickle boat of crew races. The courts were made possible thanks to a $70,000 Legacy Donation courtesy of the Adel Lions Club. Member Jon McAvoy is stoked to have them in the community, even though he’s not too familiar with the sport.

“I’m really happy to see it. I’ve never played the game (but) I’m going to start now, but we raised most of this money through our flag program, and thanks to the whole community for subscribing to that program. We turned it all to the community and people wanted pickleball courts and it didn’t have enough money, so we (thought) we’ll jump in and fund that. It’s not 100 percent, but most of it, so I’m happy we did that.”

The courts are open to the public to use daily anytime between sunrise and sunset.