Pickleball enthusiasts in Bend can now rejoice as Pine Nursery Park’s pickleball courts receive a significant upgrade with the addition of new lighting. This enhancement will allow players to extend their game time well into the evening, providing more opportunities for exercise, fun, and community building.
The newly installed lights illuminate half of the park’s pickleball courts, specifically the eight courts closest to the soccer fields. This addition was made possible through the generous donations of the Bend Pickleball Club and individual community members who recognized the need for expanded playing hours.
Justin Rose, a prominent member of the community and leader of the fundraising initiative, expressed his enthusiasm for the project, stating, “The benefits of adding lights to the pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park will be tremendous. The public will have free access to the courts until 10 pm when the park closes and the lights turn off. It was a true team effort to make this happen, and we thank everyone who contributed.”
Rose also extended a special thanks to local real estate agent and pickleball player Connie Baty, Selkirk Pickleball, and the Deschutes Brewery for their invaluable support in hosting a fundraising event that made the project a reality.
While the underground infrastructure for the lights was already in place since the courts were constructed in 2015, the actual lights were not installed until now. Bend Park and Recreation District (BPRD) staff members played a crucial role in the project by installing the lights as a contribution to the community.
Matt Mercer, recreation services director, highlighted the positive relationship between BPRD, the Bend Pickleball Club, and the enthusiastic supporters who helped bring this project to fruition. He emphasized that the user-controlled lighting will enhance evening playing opportunities throughout the year, benefiting players of all skill levels.
The manual controls for the lights are designed for on-demand use before the park closes at 10 pm. The system is programmed to automatically turn off the lights when the park closes, ensuring responsible energy usage and minimal impact on the night sky.
To maintain a harmonious environment for all park users, pickleball players are kindly requested to turn on only the lights they need and to switch them off at the end of their game if no one else is playing. The LED lights were thoughtfully chosen for their downward directional lighting, maximizing efficiency and minimizing light pollution.
For those eager to experience the enhanced pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park or to learn more about BPRD’s pickleball amenities, additional information can be found on the BPRD website.
This project is a testament to the power of community collaboration and the commitment of both organizations and individuals to enhance recreational opportunities in Bend. The newly illuminated pickleball courts at Pine Nursery Park are set to become a vibrant hub for pickleball enthusiasts, fostering a sense of camaraderie, healthy competition, and enjoyment for players of all ages and abilities.
