HERMISTON, Ore. – A brand new pickleball complex is bringing excitement and community spirit to Hermiston.
The Good Shepherd Pickleball Complex is located at Theater Sports Park, where local pickleball enthusiasts are gearing up for games, tournaments, and events.
On Saturday, June 14, there will be a grand opening and ribbon cutting event at the complex starting at 11 a.m.
The project began over two years ago when it became clear that Hermiston needed dedicated pickleball courts. “We started this whole project about two years and one month ago. Our numbers were growing. We really didn’t have a good place to play pickleball,” Phil Hamm, Chief of Fundraising for Hermiston Pickleball Committee stated.
“The next thing to do was to build pickleball courts, simple as that.”
Hamm emphasized the collective effort involved, saying, “It’s taken a lot of work by a lot of people. Lots of people contributed. It’s been a great, great experience.”
Brandon Artz, Hermiston Parks and Recreation’s Director outlined the amenities available at the complex, saying, “Pickleball courts are open 5 a.m. to 10 p.m. We’ve got 10 courts. We have the only ADA wheelchair courts in the Northwest.” He added that while some spaces are rentable, the facility is primarily open on a first-come, first-serve basis to encourage drop-in play.
Tim DeWald, president of 541 Pickleball Club, shared the personal impact pickleball has had on his life.
“Well, to me, this has been a huge sport… It saved me. The group of people here in Hermiston are so great. I lost my wife to cancer, I was kind of lost. And then pickleball saved me, and the people here,” he said.
Emmett Walker, who played a crucial role in the development of the complex as project manager, shared his excitement about the completion of the project.
“It’s been great. I mean the fact that everything came together like it did right toward the end here and to be basically on schedule to have it ready to go,” he said.
For more information, you can go to Hermiston Parks and Recreation’s website.
