MARION COUNTY, FL (352today.com) – The Marion County Board of County Commissioners has dedicated Coehadjoe Park’s pickleball courts in honor of John R. Hunt, an advocate who was instrumental in establishing dedicated pickleball facilities at the park.
Hunt’s advocacy for creating dedicated courts began in 2015, when he recognized the need for proper facilities as interest in the sport grew. Initially, players used repurposed tennis courts with pickleball lines. However, by mid-2016, Hunt had gathered enough support to persuade the county to allocate unspent project funds toward constructing the courts. In spring 2018, eight dedicated pickleball courts opened at Coehadjoe Park, marking a milestone for the community.
“John was an amazing man, truly a renaissance man,” said Marion County Parks & Recreation Director Jim Couillard. Beyond his pickleball involvement, Hunt was active in the community as a banker, certified public accountant, and SCUBA diver. He also founded Ocala’s First Federal Bank and enjoyed traveling with his wife, Patti.
Hunt’s unexpected passing earlier this year was a profound loss for the community. In collaboration with the Ocala Pickleball Club, which has over 700 members, Marion County Parks & Recreation commemorates his legacy through this dedication. The memorial serves as a tribute to his dedication to Marion County and the growing pickleball community.