Ta-ta, tennis: Courthouse County Park pivots to pickleball

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This might be a big dill.

Or a bit jarring to local tennis aficionados.

Jefferson County commissioners have agreed to convert the tennis courts in front of the county courthouse in Port Townsend to pickleball play.

A $25,179 contract to resurface the existing asphalt on the courts and paint two new pickleball lines and install posts and nets was unanimously approved Monday.

Officials cited pickleball’s popularity and the increased demand for facilities for the sport.

Commissioner Heidi Eisenhour said the switch was a good one for the courts, which are located in Courthouse County Park on Jefferson Street0, because they aren’t used much.

“We’re all going to have to take up pickleball,” Eisenhour added.

Commissioner Kate Dean offered a few solid returns, noting the sport’s invention on Bainbridge Island and its status as the fastest growing sport in the country.

The courts are already frequently used by pickleball players, and have temporary markings for the game.

The contract approved Monday to hire New Line Services of Poulsbo to do the work.

The county said a third court may be added later.

Asphalt repairs were determined to be the better buy because they would last at least a decade and would be cheaper than a complete new asphalt overlay.

After the work is done and the courts reopen for pickleball play, officials said the court hours will be limited from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.