The Grantsville Recreational River Park has recently been getting a facelift thanks to the hard work of City staff and volunteers. The city park, fondly remembered by many residents for their time spent at the Municipal Pool, has been long neglected. Following the pool closure, the park seemed to get little attention, but recently it is coming back to life with a new generation of fans.
City staff and volunteers have repainted the playground equipment and picnic area. The Basketball court backboards are shiny and new with new nets as well. Soon the Tennis court will be resurfaced, new lighting and fencing added thanks to more than $30,000 in funding from the Calhoun County Commission. Tennis court lines as well as lines for the game of Pickleball will be added to the newly surfaced court.
Pickleball, a game that has become very popular in the area, was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.
