Darien Holds Ribbon Cutting For New Pickleball, Basketball Courts

DARIEN, CT — Four new pickleball courts and a new basketball court at Cherry Lawn Park in Darien were officially unveiled to the public during a ribbon cutting event Sunday afternoon.

According to Parks and Recreation Program Supervisor Jami Gore, a single tennis court at the park was recently transformed into four pickleball courts due to the increasing popularity of the sport in town.

In a news release Tuesday, Gore noted pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing recreational activities in Darien since the onset of the ongoing coronavirus crisis in March 2020.

As a result, the department has seen a significant increase in the community’s desire for open play court time and lessons offered through the Parks and Recreation program.

According to Gore, the project had been requested by a small group of residents for the last few years.

"The town had a long-term plan to install courts, but the sport has grown in popularity quickly," Gore said in an email. "The residents decided to solicit for private funding with the town's support and were quickly successful."

The project was completed within a year of the funding efforts, Gore said.

A newly refurbished basketball court was also officially unveiled Sunday, during which several players and basketball enthusiasts came out to enjoy games and giveaways while celebrating the court's official grand opening.

According to Gore, the court's renovation was moved to the forefront of capital project priorities due, in part, to the coronavirus crisis and the need for more outdoor recreation in town.

"Since reopening, the court is once again bustling with pick-up games and casual play for basketball enthusiasts of all ages," Gore said in a news release.

First Selectman Jayme Stevenson noted last week the town is always happy to provide new or improved amenities for Darien residents.

"Cherry Lawn is a well-loved park," Stevenson said, "and these new courts will serve people of all ages for years to come."