Suzanne Stewart
Staff Writer
With snacks like pickles on a stick and pickle juice shots, you know it’s going to be a unique day. That’s what was waiting for visitors to recreation center at Watoga State Park last Saturday.
It was the official unveiling of the newly refurbished recreation area. What was once two tennis courts and a basketball court is now a place where people can add pickleball and shuffleboard to their recreational fun.
When it came time to fix up the area, Watoga superintendent Jody Spencer said they weighed the options of what people would want to do while visiting the park.
“We decided to just do away with tennis, because out of all these options, we felt like it was probably the least popular thing now,” he said.
Ironically, as he was saying that, a couple began using the new courts to play tennis.
That’s the great thing about the courts. They can be used for tennis or pickleball, which are similar.
After the courts were finished, Spencer said he was surprised to see how one sport was popular among visitors of all ages.
“Oddly enough, shuffleboard,” he said. “Sometimes it’s as popular as pickleball.”
Those interested in taking up the two new sports, or who want to play good old-fashioned basketball or tennis can rent equipment from the park office.
The courts are open to everyone, not just those staying at the park, so there’s no limit to the amount of fun to be had.
