Thanks to a successful partnership between the Albany Pickleball Club, the City of Albany and the Offices of Edward Jones in Albany, the Hackleman Pickleball Courts were resurfaced and repainted. A celebration was held on June 6, 2016.

Almost 100 people were in attendance including Albany Mayor Sharon Konopa, Parks and Recreation Director Ed Hodney and 5 of the 9 Edward Jones Advisors.

The repair of Hackleman Pickleball courts was paid for in part by the Edward Jones offices of: James Brown, Clay Dluehosh, Mark Floyd, Ryan Hanson, Rosco Huebner, Bari Rogers, Chris Scariano, Patty Street, and Jeff White.

 

 

 

An introduction and thank you was  made by John Morey, Club President.

 

 

 

 

Parks and Recreation Director Ed Hodney talked about the successful partnership and the benefits to the community.

 

 

 

Mayor Sharon Konopa spoke of successful community relationships meets the demand for facilities for different activities.

 

 

 

Clay Dluehosh, representing the nine Offices of Edward Jones, spoke of their support for activities in the community.

 

 

USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Bob VanderLinden gave some of the history of the sport of pickleball and the evolution of pickleball in Albany.

 

 

 

New players flooded the courts to try pickleball for the first time with mentors from the club.  Pizza and deserts were served following the ceremony.

The Albany Pickleball Club and the City of Albany have developed a successful long term relationship which has resulted in conversion of the under-utilized tennis court at Eleanor Hackleman Park into 4 dedicated pickleball courts in 2012 and the current resurfacing project to deal with cracks and old court issues.

We want to thank the offices of Edward Jones for their fantastic support and the city of Albany for the past and present relationship that provides needed facilities for the fastest growing sport in the country.

As we look forward, we know that the 4 courts at Hackleman are already at the limits of play and we are looking at strategic liaisons with the city and businesses for future court locations that will accommodate the explosive growth of pickleball in Albany.