Montgomery Mayor Steven Reed and city officials on Saturday cut the ribbon on a new 12-court pickleball complex at Fame Park, calling the facility a purpose-built place for residents of all ages to gather and stay active.

"We built these courts not only to play a game, but to create a place where the entire community can connect," Reed said, thanking parks staff, builders and council members who advocated for the project. The mayor described the installation as "professional grade" courts with lighting, walkways and design features intended to make the site durable and ready for broad public use.

The mayor framed the courts as part of a wider city strategy to improve quality of life neighborhood by neighborhood, citing recent and planned projects from renovated parks to community centers. Reed referenced data showing rapid growth in pickleball participation nationally and said the sport ‘‘is one of the only sports enjoyed equally across generations.’’

Reed also used the event to preview a separate effort: he said city officials have been "working with the governor and county commission and folks at Jackson Hospital on a solution" for health-care needs in the city and region, and that he expected an announcement "weeks, maybe days" away.

Councilman Jim Wright, speaking for the district, said the upgraded appearance of Fame Park met long-standing community hopes and thanked colleagues who helped secure money for the project. "It's a wonderful day," Wright said, adding that he looks forward to watching residents use the courts in the years ahead.

Other officials on the platform praised the turnout and the site's convenience—commenters noted existing restrooms and open space made the project "low hanging fruit" that could be put into use quickly. City staff asked program participants and council members to come to Court 10 for the ceremonial ribbon cutting.

The event underscored the city's emphasis on creating public spaces aimed at drawing neighbors together and promoting active lifestyles. City leaders said the complex will serve people across multiple districts and that officials plan to monitor use and programming as the courts open to the public.

No formal votes or binding policy changes occurred at the event. Reed said the city CFO, Betty Beeville, would continue work on fiscal details related to city projects, but specific budget line items for the complex were not detailed at the ceremony.

The ribbon cutting proceeded with council members and parks staff assembling at Court 10 to mark the opening; city leaders encouraged residents to "enjoy this moment" and try the new courts.