Donnelly Park’s pickleball improvements to be unveiled in February 3

As part of ongoing beautification efforts, Donnelly Park is undergoing enhancements to give it more of a "Central Park" feel. The addition of three pickleball courts provides more space for players and offers additional flexibility as a festival and event venue.  The park already had three heavily-used pickleball courts which are now undergoing resurfacing. 

A ribbon cutting for the new courts followed by the first play is scheduled for Monday, February 3.  
 
A future phase is planned to address stormwater and erosion issues within the park. This phase will include hardscaping, landscaping, and improvements to the hillside, creating an open gathering space for the community and a venue for events utilizing the Donnelly deck. Improvements to the existing building will also be considered as part of this phase.

Engineering and design for these future improvements have been budgeted for the current fiscal year and will begin following the completion of the current project. These updates aim to support both recreational and community activities in the park, according to Misty Sommer, Mount Dora’s Public Information Officer.

In 2024, the southwest corner of the park had new terraced areas constructed and new landscaping along the steps that lead to the Donnelly Building at the intersection of Donnelly Street and Fifth Avenue. 

Additional  pickleball courts in the area can be found at the public Summerview Park and  the private Country Club of Mount Dora.
 
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