Pickleball courts one step closer at Bazinsky Road location

Vicksburg South Ward Alderman Alex Monsour has been advocating for pickleball courts at the Bazinsky Road sports complex for some time. Monday, the Board of Mayor and Aldermen approved the next step in the process: advertising for sealed bids for the courts’ construction.

The new plans call for the removal of an existing softball field where the pickleball courts will be built. The original plans were scrapped due to issues with moving utilities and cost.

“They will be the first thing you see when you enter the sports complex,” Monsour said. “You guys will be proud of this.”

According to the USA Pickleball website, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the U.S. and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

The bids will be opened Thursday, Sept 10, 2020, at the scheduled BOMA meeting.