$200K raised for Jackson Civic Center; floor cover, pickleball nets among purchases

The Jackson Civic Center is finally getting pickleball equipment, among other things, but bookings for events are filling up fast.

The center’s fundraising drive, which wrapped up at the beginning of April, brought in about $200,000, manager Jason Lipe said.

With that money, the center has been able to procure a floor cover for the gym floor; a stage and dance floor; and several televisions for the lobby.

The city funds also will be used for two pickleball nets, which Lipe said should accommodate the regular pickleball crowd that uses the gym once or twice a week.

“Right now, we’re finalizing the design for the founding donors’ wall,” Lipe said. “We’ll be having an unveiling party in May.”

Lipe said the center is getting more popular for hosting events.

“We’re booked most weekends out through the end of October,” he said.

One woman who asked whether there was a vacancy in October found the date she wanted was unavailable.

“That gives you kind of a snapshot of the response we’ve been getting,” Lipe said, adding another woman already booked the center for her birthday next March.

Daily use of the gym and indoor walking track also has been keeping steady, as predicted.

“It’s been good. Some of it fluctuates with the weather, but our most busy time is the 7:30 to 9 a.m. range with the early-morning walkers,” Lipe said. “After that, it’s probably the after-school period when people come to use the gym.”

But for those seeking to rent the gym, Lipe recommended planning ahead and considering weekdays.

“That way, you’re more likely to catch a time where we aren’t really having a lot of activities,” he said.

tgraef@semissourian.com

(573) 388-3627

Pertinent address:

381 E. Deerwood Drive, Jackson, Mo.