Owensboro Opens New Pickle Plex at Ben Hawes Park
The city and a private club collaborated to transform a former softball field into a dedicated 18-court pickleball facility.
Updated on Oct. 22, 2026 in Openings & Closings
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City officials in Owensboro officially opened the Pickle Plex, a new 18-court outdoor facility located within Ben Hawes Park. The project repurposes a former softball field site to provide a dedicated space for local pickleball enthusiasts.
Why it matters
The complex serves as a central hub for players across the Tri-State area, addressing the growing demand for dedicated recreational space in the region. By partnering with River City Pickleball Inc., city leaders successfully transitioned underutilized land into an active community asset.
The new facility features 18 dedicated outdoor pickleball courts constructed on the site of a former softball field. Development was supported by contributions from River City Pickleball Inc. club members and various sponsors.
The players
City of Owensboro
The local government authority that oversaw the development and opening of the new recreational facility at Ben Hawes Park.
River City Pickleball Inc.
A private pickleball club that partnered with the city to provide funding and project support for the development of the new complex.
Guy Durham
The individual who originally presented the facility proposal to city officials in 2020.
The details
City officials cut the ribbon to mark the debut of the Pickle Plex, which is designed to accommodate players of all ages and skill levels. The project arose from a partnership between the City of Owensboro and River City Pickleball Inc. to modernize recreational infrastructure at Ben Hawes Park.
Timeline
In 2020, Guy Durham presented the initial proposal for the pickleball facility to city officials.
City officials held the official ribbon-cutting ceremony to open the Pickle Plex on October 22, 2026.
The new facility is scheduled to host its first pickleball tournament on October 23, 2026.
Market Landscape
This facility follows the nationwide surge in pickleball participation reported by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association by converting legacy recreational space into modern court infrastructure. The project positions Owensboro to capture regional tourism by providing a high-capacity venue that outscales smaller local competitors.
Residents and local players can now access 18 dedicated courts that replace the site's previous softball usage. The opening provides a new venue for regional tournaments, which may increase local activity levels and change scheduling for recreational athletic events.
The takeaway
The transformation of Ben Hawes Park highlights how municipalities can repurpose underutilized land to support the rapid growth of niche sports. Local enthusiasts should monitor the park's scheduling to participate in upcoming tournaments and recreational play.
What happens next
The Pickle Plex is scheduled to host its inaugural pickleball tournament on October 23, 2026.
Further reading
For more updates on new community projects, visit the Openings & Closings section.
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