Vermillion’s community of pickleball players is only continuing to grow, especially now since the development of the new courts at Cotton Park.
Years ago, the town was in need of a new school, and since the school district owned land at Barstow Park, it made sense for the project to be there. Unfortunately, the park was home to the only outdoor tennis and pickleball courts that were ultimately removed.
A strong tennis community has consistently been a part of the Vermillion area, says director of parks and recreation Jim Goblirsch. As more and more residents became involved with pickleball in the last decade, the support for a new outdoor racket sport facility grew.
“As we looked at the future of our parks and recreation system, we saw an opportunity not just to replace what was lost, but to create something even better,” he said. “Cotton Park stood out as a great location because it already had several recreational amenities in place and had room to accommodate a larger racket sports complex.”
With a combination of community advocacy, strong participation, and city administration investment, the idea came to fruition. Goblirsch says the new addition of the courts helps better set the parks system up for the future.
“The pickleball courts really originated out of a need and an opportunity that came with Vermillion’s growth,” said Goblirsch.
Did You Know?
COTTON PARK IS THE ALLEGED STARTING POINT OF LEWIS AND CLARK’S SIDE QUEST TO SPIRIT MOUND?
Two former teachers, Jay Hennies and Mary Lee Hennies, have been playing pickleball for over 17 years, starting in Arizona. The couple has been instrumental in bringing the sport to town.
“Through the good graces of our good city council and our former mayor, it came through,” said Jay. “We’re very proud of the facility we have, and the people that are playing now keep going up.”
Mary and Jay say pickleball is a social sport just as much as it is competitive, and the sense of gratitude for new friendship is felt by everyone involved.
“We look at people playing that probably didn’t even know each other before these courts were put in, and now hundreds of people play together,” added Mary.
Dr. Mary Jo Olson started playing pickleball two years ago and is now an avid part of the network utilizing the new space.
“Not every community has access to the level of park amenities that Vermillion enjoys, which is one of the reasons they’ re so important.”
JIM GOBLIRSCH
“As a retired physician, I know about the studies that reveal playing a sport or participating in a physical activity on a regular basis, like pickleball, helps with cardiovascular health, obesity, immunity, and mental health,” said Dr. Olson.
Movement and social interaction both help reduce stress, anxiety, and depression, according to the Vermillion-based doctor.
“You build a community, and everybody is so supportive,” she added. “If we have somebody in our group that is hurting, has some illness, or something, people come together and look after them.”
“Laughter is the very best medicine,” continued Dr. Olson.
Green spaces, trails, recreational facilities, and the golf course are all highly valued and utilized by virtually the entire populace and surrounding area.
While the courts give citizens another opportunity to be active and connect, it also shows that Vermillion is a progressive community, continually investing in its future, Goblirsch says.
“THE COURTS ARE ANOTHER GREAT EXAMPLE OF VERMILLION INVESTING IN ITSELF.”
Jim Goblirsch
“It certainly makes my job easier when residents are engaged, use the amenities we provide, and continue to show their support,” he revealed. “That community support also helps encourage investment from our city council because they can see firsthand that these facilities are important to the people who live here.”
Public parks provide free places for people of all ages to gather, while playing an important role in creating healthy, connected localities. Opportunities to enjoy the outdoors, build relationships, and stay active all improve quality of life, Goblirsch adds.
“As the home to the University of South Dakota, Vermillion welcomes students from across the state, the country, and around the world,” said Goblirsch. “Our parks help provide a place where those students can connect with the community, get involved, and feel at home while they’re here.”
Prentis Park, the city’s “crown jewel,” occupies over 20 acres, consisting of a historic amphitheater wall and baseball field, the city pool, playgrounds, paths, and enough green space to host a plethora of events that may not have been possible without it.
“What’s encouraging is that it’s not just Prentis Park that’s heavily used,” he added. “We see consistent activity across our entire park system, whether it is families at playgrounds, people walking trails, youth sports, community events, or residents simply enjoying our green spaces.”
SIGN UP AND PLAY AT THE NEW COURTS ON THE PICKLEBALL SCHEDULER AT PLAYTIMESCHEDULER.COM.
Along with Cotton Park and Prentis Park, the town’s “best-kept secret” is the 18-hole golf course, which continues to get people outside and moving together.
Folks from all around are starting to discover the layout, excellent course conditions, and friendly staff at The Bluffs Golf Course. Goblirsch has seen more golfers travel to experience it for themselves.
“The community’s interaction with our parks and public spaces reflects what makes Vermillion special— people take pride in these amenities, they use them, and they recognize the value they bring,” elaborated Goblirsch. “That’s what motivates us to keep improving and evolving our parks and recreation system as the community continues to grow.”
The shaping of space is a communal effort, a partnership between the residents and the municipalities helping to govern them and bring new ideas to life. Created shared spaces in town are described by Goblirsch as “welcoming, functional, and well-used,” unifying people.
“We have the best swimming pool, baseball park, and pickleball facility,” said Jay. “The people of Vermillion are truly blessed to have the opportunities they have.”
FOR MORE INFORMATION, VISIT LIVEVERMILLION.COM+
