The Mount Vernon Pickleball Association is supporting the city of Mount Vernon's plan to build six pickleball courts, basketball court, and a playground at Riverside Park which will complement the splash pad planned for next year and will bring lots of energy to the west side. It will also bring people into the city for rec play, leagues, and from out of town for tournaments, so it will boost the economy of Mount Vernon and enhance the quality of life in Knox County.

Pickleball is inexpensive, easy to play, and all generations can play together, from grandchildren to grandparents. It's a great way to have fun, exercise, and make new friends. It’s a very social game which is mainly why this sport is the fastest growing sport in America, approaching 40 million participants and it has many health benefits including reducing the risk of depression, Parkinsons, Alzheimers, and lengthens lifespans. Within the next five years, China expects to have 10,000 courts and 100 million players and it will eventually be a varsity sport in high schools and colleges across the country.

Like the handicapped playground at Memorial Park or the Mount Vernon High School Fieldhouse, this will be a great community investment, especially for west side families and their children who will benefit from something positive to do. 

The city is anticipating receiving $420,000 from a community development block grant in the fall of 2024 and they also plan to appropriate funds for the project in next year’s budget. The Mount Vernon Pickleball Association's goal is to raise another $175,000 by Dec. 31 to bring the project to completion. For tax-deductible donation information, please visit knoxcf.fcsuite.com/erp/donate.