Pickleball fans: The wait is almost over

By Randy Bell

The paint on Clinton’s new pickleball courts is curing, but they’re not ready for play just yet.

It won’t be long, though.

Parks and Recreation Director Courtney Nunn says she’s working on a date for a ribbon-cutting ceremony and opening day mixer at the pickleball complex located adjacent to the Kids Towne playground on Old Vicksburg Road.

“We’ll welcome pickleballers out there to just play a few matches and kind of be a feel-good Saturday,” Nunn says. “It’ll be like a paddle rack system, where you put your paddle in the rack, and you’re next up to play. They’ll just rotate that way.”

In addition to making sure the eight courts can handle the traffic they’re about to receive, Nunn says a few other things needed to be done, including the delivery of more furniture and installing signage.

“They’re finishing the final touches on the complex area as it pertains to the [pavilion], the restrooms and the common ground areas. The construction company is just tying up a few loose ends, and we’ll do some walk-throughs, making sure everything is where we need it to be.”

According to Nunn, Clinton will make a concerted effort to take care of its new pickleball courts.

“There’s been word of other cities that haven’t been able to monitor [their courts]. We’re hoping we can jump on that before anything happens,” says Nunn.

She says volunteers could help to police the pickleball complex.

“We have some people who have come forward to help us keep a watchful eye on the courts. And we’ll have some cameras set up, and it’ll be heavily monitored.”