Dammeron Valley Fire Special Service District (DVSSD) announced today plans to build a new pickleball court at Dammeron Valley Park. The park, adjacent to Dammeron Valley Fire & Rescue (DVFR) Station 13, is owned and maintained by the DVSSD, and the Administrative Control Board oversees all aspects of the park and its upkeep.
The pickleball court will be funded by a grant for $18,000 awarded to the DVSSD from Washington County through the Recreation, Arts, and Parks (RAP) program. The RAP program began in 2015 and is funded from a portion of the 0.1% sales and use tax levied within Washington County. The program was established to promote recreational and cultural opportunities throughout the county.
“Residents in Dammeron Valley have been expressing the desire for additional recreational opportunities in the Valley for years,” stated DVSSD Chair Mack Sorensen. “Previous community workshops and a survey indicated a pickleball court as the most desired amenity for the park, and we’re excited to receive this grant to bring additional recreation and exercise options to the Valley.”
Construction on the pickle ball court is expected to commence in April and Sorensen expects it to be ready for use by mid-June. Initial site plans are underway to incorporate the new amenity and ensure it fits within the overall site plan for the park and the fire station’s training facilities.
DVFR Chief Chet Barnes added, “Fire Station 13 has become a hub of activity and community gathering in Dammeron Valley over recent months. One of the reasons for that is the connection to the park, and it’s exciting to see this expansion that will bring even more community members to the park on a regular basis.”
Pickleball has been one of the fastest growing sports in Southern Utah in recent years. St. George built a pickleball complex in Little Valley in 2012 that initially started with 12 courts before doubling to 24 courts in 2015. Southern Utah regularly hosts national pickleball competitions as participants of all ages find it to be a fun way to exercise and enjoy being outdoors.
“We have so many wonderful outdoor recreation options here in Dammeron Valley, especially with our interface into the wildland areas,” Sorensen said. “Now our residents will have a great option for enjoying one of the area’s most popular sports without having to make the trip into town to do it. That’s a great thing for the Valley.”