MARSHALL, MI (WKZO AM/FM) – The City of Marshall is kicking off a fundraising campaign for the development of pickleball courts, a splash pad, pavilion/bathroom facilities, upgraded playground, and multiple parking spaces. The property donated by Eaton in 2021.
The parcel is immediately adjacent to the city Athletic Field Complex, located at the corner of Hanover and Fountain Streets. The parcel was formerly a parking lot for the former Eaton facility, which used to be across Hanover Street.
“The City of Marshall is excited to start the fundraising campaign for the development of Eaton Park,” stated Mayor Joe Caron. “We have a committed group of volunteers that will assist city staff in making Eaton Park a reality for the entire Marshall community.”
Phase one is focusing on the pickleball courts due to the assistance of an active, committed group of pickleball enthusiasts. The Marshall Area Pickleball Group has been playing at various locations in the city over the past four years using area tennis courts. Carol Edwards, a member of the group stated, “to have our own facility will allow the continued growth of the sport here in Marshall. These are exciting times. Having a facility just for Pickleball will help grow the sport. The plan is to have several adult and youth beginner sessions this coming spring. “This sport can be played with individual of any age and at every level of play. It is our hope to get a group of middle schoolers play both by themselves and with adults.”
The plan for phase one of the park is to ultimately build eight fenced, lighted Pickleball courts, four unisex bathrooms, and thirty-nine parking spaces. The tentative costs for this project are over $1.2 million. To date, approximately $665,000 has been raised. The city has received three major grants and will be applying for several others to help pay for this project.
Donations can be made at https://marshallcf.org/give/donate-now/ or by sending a check to Marshall Community Foundation, 614 Homer Road, Marshall, MI 49068.
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