By RHEA-FRANCES TETLEY
Staff Writer
The ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the opening of the new pickleball courts at MacKay Park was an exciting morning with the new courts, which bring the number to five, on the bluff overlooking Lake Arrowhead.
Certificates of recognition for the new pickleball courts from Congressman Obernolte and Senator Ochoa Bogh were presented by Corrine Mora and Millet Grayton.
Arron Speer of San Bernardino County Special Districts led the ceremony with Robin Bull representing Supervisor Dawn Rowe. The supervisor had planned to attend but was prevented from doing so due to the massive destruction in Forest Falls the previous day from flooding and mudslides that needed her immediate attention. Also attending the event was Kristy Rostawicki, the Lake Arrowhead pickleball ambassador who helped organize the local pickle ball community into supporting the construction of new courts.
Speer is excited about taking this open space, creating recreation space, and enticing people to come out to play. Supervisor Rowe was able to provide some funding to create these courts, which with their green walls almost blend into the forested environment of the park.
MacKay Park is growing and moving forward. The first courts were constructed in 2018, and there is room for park expansion and additional courts if they continue to be so popular. There may be room for other uses too. Already the public park has a beautiful picnic area with barbecue grills overlooking the lake, a gazebo, walking paths, exercise equipment, a volleyball and basketball court, a dog pars, additional pickleball courts plus adequate parking.
Thanks were given to Altmeyer Construction for keeping the park open during construction.
Rostawicki, who serves on the CSA 70 D-1 Advisory Committee (aka the Dam Committee), had started a local Facebook pickleball page, which has grown to 1,300 members. As pickleball became more popular, she saw how crowded the initial three courts were becoming. She believes these new courts will be in regular use with so many pickleball enthusiasts in the community.
Attending the ceremony with certificates of recognition were representatives Corrine Mora from Congressman Jay Obernolte’s office and Milet Lizarraga Gaytan from Senator Rosilicie Ochoa Bogh’s office.
Playing pickleball on the new courts.
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