By Beth David, Editor
About 50 people showed up for the start of the Fairhaven Pickleball Association’s opening day festivities at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on Saturday, 6/1. The courts opened last year.
FBA President Ken Pottel told the crowd that getting the four courts built was not easy, but they made their case to the town and made it happen. He said the next project is to work on the courts at Cushman Park because they are in “bad shape.”
He said Pickleball is spreading across the country because it can be place by anyone of any age.
He credited Stasia Powers, who is a member of the FBA and a current Select Board member, as being a key supporter.
“It’s important to have people like Stasia,” said Mr. Pottel
He also thanked board members and other volunteers. He said the money they give is put to good use. They spent $1,000 last year just on balls, he said.
“It’s unbelievable the things we have to buy,” said Mr. Pottel. “You $25 goes a long way.”
Ms. Powers also addressed the crowd thanking those who made it happen, especially FBA board members.
“This group continues to grow,” said Ms. Powers.
She said pickleball builds community, and noted that the courts at Fort Phoenix were packed that morning.
The group also sponsors pickleball clinics. Visit https://www.fairhavenpickleball.com for more information.
![](https://fairhavenneighborhoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pickleball_MonicaVegin-208x300.jpg)
Monica Vegin is perfectly poised to knock the ball back over the net during a pickleball match on opening day at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on 6/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
![](https://fairhavenneighborhoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pickleball_MichaelL-300x297.jpg)
Michael Lipp, using a sports wheelchair designed to keep from tipping over, leans into it in a big way to hit the ball during a pickleball match on opening day at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on 6/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
![](https://fairhavenneighborhoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pickleball_indaChevalier-181x300.jpg)
Linda Chevalier reaches high for the ball to send it back over the net during a pickleball match on opening day at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on 6/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
![](https://fairhavenneighborhoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pickleball_Group-300x175.jpg)
Fairhaven Pickleball Association members pose for a group shot on opening day at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on 6/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
![](https://fairhavenneighborhoodnews.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/06/Pickleball_AdamSeifert-300x292.jpg)
Adam Seifert just barely makes the save during a pickleball match on opening day at Livesey Park in Fairhaven on 6/1/24. Photo by Beth David.
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