Over the past few years, pickleball enthusiasts in Glendive have been requesting the city to provide permanent outdoor courts for their sport. A local group of pickleball players presented their request to the Glendive City Council’s Finance, Utilities, Property, Recreation Committee during a recent meeting. They proposed painting two pickleball courts on one of the existing tennis courts in Lloyd Square Park.
Steve Merrill, speaking on behalf of the group, explained that their initial request was to paint lines for pickleball courts on the tennis courts free of charge to the city. Despite some initial opposition from tennis enthusiasts, Merrill shared that the Montana High School Association supported the idea of sharing courts for both sports.
The group emphasized that pickleball is a recreational activity for them, and they do not have formal leagues or schedules. They are willing to cover the cost of painting the courts and have also requested the city to contribute funds for roll-away pickleball nets that can be set up and removed easily.
Linda Cunningham, another local player, highlighted the demand for pickleball courts among visitors and the inconvenience of not having proper facilities. The group’s proposal received positive feedback from Councilman Rhett Coon and Councilman Jason Stuart, who suggested both short-term and long-term solutions for pickleball courts in the city.
The Glendive City Council is set to vote on the pickleball group’s proposition during its upcoming meeting on July 16.
