Birmingham, pickleball — Photo by Joan Azeka via Unsplash

If you are searching for a fun way to get outside and stay active this summer, you’re in luck, because Veterans Park on Valleydale Road has welcomed eight new pickleball courts!

Keep reading to learn more about these new courts and possible future developments.

Celebration of the new pickleball courts

On Wednesday morning, Hoover and Shelby County officials gathered at Veterans Park to celebrate the opening.

“The community asked and we delivered! Today, @hooverparksrec held a ribbon cutting for eight new pickleball courts located at Veterans Park. The courts have been open for a few weeks and stay packed with players ranging in age 7 to 70! The sport continues to grow in popularity and we are thrilled to provide a safe place to play!”
From City of Hoover’s Instagram post on Wednesday morning

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by City of Hoover (@cityofhoover)

As reported by the Hoover Sun, Hoover Mayor Frank Brocato said the city has been looking forward to adding outdoor courts for some time.

Although the city converted some tennis courts next to Simmons Middle School into six pickleball courts, this is the city’s first time constructing outdoor courts from the ground up.

The future of pickleball in Birmingham

The city hopes to gather funding to add 24 outdoor courts at the Hoover Metropolitan Complex.

The state Legislature has committed $1 million for the project and the Jefferson County Commission had designated $300,000 toward it. However, the estimated cost is $3.5 million.

Hoover Council President John Lyda said that few sports in recent memory have attracted people from all ages and abilities like pickleball, according to the Hoover Sun.

Learn more fun details about pickleball:

Are you excited about the new pickleball courts? Tag us on social @bhamnow and let us know!