Key Points

• The city of Heath in central Ohio broke ground on a new pickleball court complex at Geller Park, emphasizing wellness, inclusivity and community connection.
• Marathon Petroleum funded accessibility features, including a paved walkway for wheelchairs, connecting the parking lot to a fully ADA-compliant shelter/restroom facility.
• The project, driven by the Heath Parks & Recreation Department, aims to meet the growing demand for accessible recreational infrastructure due to the city's rapid population growth.

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The city of Heath in central Ohio officially broke ground on its brand-new pickleball court complex at Geller Park this summer, marking a major milestone in the city’s commitment to wellness, inclusivity and community connection. City officials, community members and project collaborators gathered to commemorate the start of construction on the facility.

“This event highlights the collaborative spirit that brought the project to life,” said Heath Mayor Mark Johns.

“It’s a space where generations can come together, where neighbors become teammates, and where our community grows stronger through shared experiences.”

Marathon Petroleum, which has a terminal and pipeline station in the community, provided a grant to fund the accessibility features of the park, including a paved walkway wide enough to accommodate wheelchairs. The walkway will connect the parking lot to the shelter/restroom facility, which will be fully compliant with the Americans with Disabilities Act.

“This complex will be more than just a place to play,” said Mayor Johns. “It’s a space where generations can come together, where neighbors become teammates, and where our community grows stronger through shared experiences.”

The project was driven by the Heath Parks & Recreation Department in response to the city’s rapid population growth and increasing demand for accessible recreational infrastructure. With more than 800 new homes and two multifamily developments underway, the city anticipates a population increase over the next decade.

The complex is designed to serve a wide demographic:

• Seniors benefit from the low-impact nature of pickleball, promoting healthy aging and social engagement.
• Youth and families gain a safe, inclusive space for physical activity and bonding.
• Individuals of all ages and abilities will have access to year-round wellness opportunities.
• Local businesses are expected to see increased foot traffic from visitors and events 

The park will be built on an acre of underutilized green space. The project aligns with the city’s sustainability goals by preserving land and enhancing public space and supports economic development and social cohesion, key pillars of Heath’s long-term vision to be a vibrant, healthy, and connected place to live, work and play.

“I’m proud we had the opportunity to support this project and participate in the groundbreaking ceremony,” said Matt Wall, Operations Area Manager for Marathon Pipe Line. “Our local operations team remains committed to strengthening relationships and earning the continued trust of the city of Heath through this exciting project.”