Renovated tennis, pickleball courts unveiled in Weirton
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WEIRTON - The latest recreational amenity for area residents is officially open to the public.
Weirton Parks officials were joined Monday morning by representatives of the Weirton Rotary Club, the Weirton Pickleball Association, city officials and other guests to officially unveil the renovated courts at Margaret Manson Weir Memorial Park.
Following months of renovations, the courts, located at the Marland Heights park, now feature one full-size tennis court and four pickleball courts, along with new nets, fencing, benches and upgraded lighting.
"We had multiple groups come together," Parks Executive Director Coty Shingle said. "It wouldn’t have happened otherwise."
The $75,000 project included a design by the Weirton Pickleball Association, a $50,000 contribution from the Rotary Club and additional support from the City of Weirton and the Park Board.
Renovations included crack repairs to the existing asphalt, resurfacing, striping, a color sealer, new nets and benches, lighting enhancements and new fencing. A new windscreen also will be installed to recognize the Rotary Club’s financial support.
"We’re glad to be a part of this," George Kondik, past president of the Rotary Club, said, noting the club has a history of community involvement and is always looking for ways to contribute.
The club provided its initial $25,000 contribution last fall, with Kondik presenting the remaining $25,000 on Monday.
Shingle also offered his appreciation to Weirton resident Bernie Bish, who, along with Mark Basil and Dave Ferrari, has donated his time and expertise as an electrician over the years, not only maintaining the courts but leading the installation of LED light fixtures from 2018 through 2020.
"He did so much work over 25 years maintaining the surface, it made this project easier," Shingle said, noting those efforts were the catalyst for the recent project.
Bob Kolanko, representing the Weirton Pickleball Association, said the organization began looking at the project more than two years ago after establishing temporary courts at Starvaggi Memorial Park and seeing the sport grow in the region.
"A lot of blood, sweat and tears went into this," Kolanko said.
Kolanko noted the association held an unofficial soft opening at the courts Friday night.
"We had 37 people playing pickleball," he said. "It was so nice and wonderful to see."
Iris Himmelrick, chair of the Park Board, said Monday was a great day for the park, which has undergone a series of improvements in recent years.
"It’s a dream coming true," she said, noting the work has taken time but is coming to fruition. "The park looks beautiful."
Mayor Dean Harris also thanked residents Karen Gould and Cindy Parker, who he said have long advocated for improvements to the park.
"We look at this as sort of a rebirth for this park," Harris said.
In addition to the court renovations, the Park Board recently unveiled a new restroom facility at the park. Work also has included installing new roofs on the park’s three shelters, new lighting and paving, while construction continues on an outdoor fitness court.