The pickleball craze that is sweeping Bridgeport and most of the nation has infected the City of Clarksburg as well.

 

Recently, the City Parks of Clarksburg began a pickleball court project of their own. The project is taking place at the Veteran’s Administration (VA) Park.

 

Contractors working on the project have already torn down the fence and asphalt that was in place in the area. The area in question are the former tennis courts in an area situated just below and just behind Clarksburg municipal pool facility.

 

It is part of a $450,000-plus project initiated under form Clarksburg Parks Director John Cooper and being carried through under current Director and Bridgeport resident Doug Comer.

 

“When finished, there were be 14 pickleball courts in the area and one utility court,” said Comer. “The original area has been extended by about 10 feet and there is also some ADA ramping involved with the project.”

 

The project is being handled through a 50-50 grant with the Land and Water Conservation Fund program. Comer said the rest is earmarked through Clarksburg and Harrison County funds.

 

“John Cooper is the one who began working on this grant. Now, his vision is coming to life,” said Comer.

 

Comer said he anticipates the latest for the project to open would be mid-June, but would like to have a Memorial Day opening if it is feasible. He does anticipate, regardless of when it opens, heavy use.

 

“It is in heavy demand,” he said.

 

As for 2025, Comer said he has talked with officials with Bridgeport Parks and Recreation about doing an outdoor tournament or perhaps a series of tournaments involving outdoor courts in both cities. Bridgeport will soon be in the process of building their own outdoor facilities.

 

Thrasher Engineering and their project manager Jeff Gola is working on the project. The contractor is Monco Constructors out of Barrackville.

 

Parks officials remind individuals to please stay away from the work area for safety and insurance reasons.