By Abigail Roberts
Locals gathered Wednesday afternoon to cut the ribbon on the brand new pickleball courts at Veterans Park, dedicated in honor of the late Mayor of Stanford Dalton Miller.
Miller, who passed away in late May after a two-year battle with colon cancer, was instrumental in bringing the project to fruition. The new courts were dedicated in his name prior to his death, to honor his life as a public servant and his partnership with the county while serving as mayor.
Lincoln County Judge-Executive Woods Adams said the ribbon cutting represents progress, investment and commitment to improving the quality of life for the community.
Lincoln County Judge-Executive Woods Adams speaks during the ribbon cutting for the new pickleball courts in Veterans Park.
“Today is especially meaningful because we are dedicating this court in memory of a man whose impact on Stanford will be felt for generations, Mayor Dalton Miller,” Adams said. “Anyone who knew Dalton knew he loved Stanford.”
Adams said Miller’s leadership was never about recognition, but service.
“He cared deeply about making this community a better place for the people who called it home,” Adams said. “He believed in investing in projects that would improve every-day life not just for today, but for future generations.”
Adams said pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in America because it brings people together and welcomes all ages and skill levels.
“Grandparents can play grandchildren; friends can meet after work; new neighbors can become old neighbors,” Adams said. “The spirit of connection and community reflects the very values Dalton lived every day. As people gather here in the months and years ahead, we hope they don’t just remember the name on the sign; we hope they remember the kind of leader Dalton was, a servant leader who believed in community, invested in his future and worked tirelessly to leave Stanford stronger than he found it.”
Adams thanked Miller’s family for sharing him with the community while he served his community.
“This project was a true team effort and partnership with the Lincoln County Fiscal Court and the City of Stanford,” Adams said.
Adams gave a special thanks to LC Parks Director Kaycie Bandura and LC Road Department Foreman Jeremy Vanhook who he said provided the leadership and the oversight of the project on a daily basis; the Lincoln County Road Department for site preparation; The Allen Company for the Installation of the surface; Jason Hignite and Stanford Walmart for the generous donation of flowers, soil and materials to make the flower box possible; and Jamie Doolin, Levi Brock, Angie Doolin, Amy Good, Mary Hopkins for the building and design of the flower box.
“Today we celebrate more than a new recreational facility; we celebrate a life of service and legacy of leadership and a community that grows because of people like Dalton Miller. It is now my honor to officially dedicate this pickleball court in memory of Mayor Dalton Miller. May it serve as a place of joy, health, fellowship, and community for many years to come.”
