Photo special to Alachua County Today / (L-R) High Springs City Manager Ashley Stathatos, High Springs Parks and Recreation Director Elliot Harris, Parks and Recreation Advisory Board member High Springs Mayor Katherine Weitz and Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair Linda Hewlett cutting the ribbon to officially open the courts for play.

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HIGH SPRINGS ‒ Pickleball is continuing to gain its status as a popular sports pastime. On Thursday, Dec. 7, more than 60 community leaders, High Springs city department heads and Pickleball enthusiasts gathered at the High Springs Civic Center, 19107 N.W. 240th Street, to open the High Springs new Pickleball courts to the public.

High Springs Parks and Recreation Advisory Board Chair Linda Hewlett, her husband Tom Hewlett and High Springs Parks and Recreation Administrator Jennifer Corbett organized an exciting afternoon of fun and fellowship.

Linda Hewlett cut the ribbon to officially open the courts on behalf of the City. Speakers included High Springs City Manager Ashley Stathatos, Pickleball sportsman Jorge Milanes who discussed the history of the sport and how to play, Pickleball enthusiast Maurita Lanoue, who discussed the health benefits of playing the game, and High Springs Parks and Recreation Director Elliot Harris, among others.

Attendees joined in for Pickleball games to help break in the court.

High Springs Public Information Officer Kevin Mangan said, “We would like to thank City staff and supporters, past and present, including former Commissioner Ross Ambrose and Assistant City Manager Bruce Gillingham, for laying the groundwork for this project.”

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