MONROE — A popular and growing recreational activity has come to Monroe with the addition of eight pickleball courts with lights at Northeast Park. A grand opening was held on Wednesday, July 2 with a ribbon cutting ceremony followed by the first night of pickleball league play. 

“I think this complex will be a benefit for generations and for years to come,” said Matt Skibba, Director of Culture and Recreation for Monroe Parks and Recreation. 

Monroe Mayor Donna Douglas added that, “it just adds one more thing for Monroe. It’s another example of investing health, happiness, and well-being to our community.”  

Many donors contributed between $250,000 to $300,000 for the construction of the pickleball courts with court sponsors, bench sponsors, and more. Colony Brands Foundation contributed over $100,000 for the naming rights. 

“I could get the hang of this. My next purchase just might be a set of pickleball paddles,” said John Baumann, President of Colony Brands Foundation, who also admitted he had never played pickleball.

The Colony Brands Foundation Pickleball Complex has already hosted one pickleball tournament and will be hosting tournaments on July 25 and August 6. 

According to Skibba, the pickleball courts are reserved for Park and Rec league members Monday and Wednesday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Monday through Friday in the morning from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. The courts are open to the public all other times. Skibba added that there are already 110 league members.