Pickleball is among the fastest-growing sports in the country, and local players are excited about a brand-new facility in north-central Emporia.
Reeble Park is open to the public, and the courts used to serve as the Emporia Country Club’s tennis courts. A special grand opening ceremony is coming at 1 pm Sunday, and spokesman Larry Putnam says there is already a demand for more courts. He also says there’s a chance Emporia could host regional or national tournaments down the road.
Activities Sunday include a recognition of donors, including philanthropists Jane and Barney Reeble — for whom the park is named — as well as a formal dedication; a skills-and-strategy conversation from Lucy Kovalova, the world’s No. 2-ranked woman in mixed doubles and a former member of the Wichita State tennis team; a pickleball exhibition and opportunities for residents to use the courts.
