Sehys Recognized for Contribution Toward Pickleball Courts

(A CEREMONY WAS HELD WEDNESDAY EVENING JUST AHEAD OF PICKLEBALL LEAGUE ACTIVITIES AT HENDELMEYER PARK FOR THE PRESENTATION OF A CHECK FOR $20,000 BY DR. BRIAN AND NANCY SEHY TO EFFINGHAM PARK DISTRICT CHAIRMAN RUSS SEHY TOWARD THE CONVERSION OF THE TENNIS COURTS AT HENDELMEYER TO PICKLEBALL COURTS. ALSO PRESENT WERE GEORGE AND ARDEL HUNTINGTON WHO HELPED GENERATE INTEREST IN THE SPORT LOCALLY AND JIM HECHT AND MATT UNKRAUT WHO HAVE WORKED ON FUNDRAISING FOR THE EFFORT)

Pickleball, anyone?

A gathering was held Wednesday evening at Hendelmeyer Park to mark a $20,000 donation by Dr. Brian and Nancy Sehy toward the cost of a conversion of the tennis courts at the park into a 10-court pickleball layout.

A growth of interest in pickleball was fostered by George and Ardel Huntington, who brought the sport back with them after wintering in Florida. Local residents Jim and Julie Hecht and Matt and Beth Unkraut have been two couples among many people who have embraced the sport to the point that they have been active in fundraising for the work at Hendelmeyer. When the weather doesn't permit outside contests, you'll see pickleball games going on inside the Workman Sports and Wellness Complex. 

Park District Director Jeff Althoff said there are enough other tennis courts available around town to warrant the conversion of the Hendelmeyer courts to use for pickleball. Althoff said he is excited to see the project happening. He said they have a goal of $60,000 to complete the work. The courts will be sealed and then repainted. Also, there will be permanently anchored nets, replacing those that have to be put in place before games can be played at Hendelmeyer. 

Contact the Park District, Jim Hecht, or Matt Unkraut if you'd like to contribute toward the project.