The inaugural “Paddle for the Paint” pickleball tournament, organized in partnership with students from Marshall University, brought together dozens of participants and spectators with a shared goal: raising funds for a downtown public art mural.
For Megan Archer, the president and CEO of the Huntington Regional Chamber of Commerce, the event represents more than just a day of competition; it signals a new kind of collaboration within the community.
“This is a first-time event; we’ve never partnered with Marshall University students on something this large or this hands-on,” Archer said. “It’s exciting to see not only the turnout, but also the purpose behind it. The funds raised will support a downtown mural, and that has a bigger impact than many people initially realize.”
That impact, Archer explained, is rooted in research surrounding public art and urban development. Communities that invest in art often experience increased foot traffic, improved perceptions of safety and stronger local economies. The planned mural will be located in a central downtown corridor near Ninth Street, positioning it as a focal point for residents and visitors alike.
“We want it to become a place where people stop, take photos and share their experience,” Archer said. “When people are spending more time downtown, they’re also shopping, dining and supporting local businesses. It creates a ripple effect throughout the economy.”
While the long-term goal is economic development, the immediate atmosphere of the tournament reflected a strong sense of community. Players of all backgrounds and experience levels participated, from beginners picking up a paddle for the first time to more advanced competitors.
Student organizer Griffin Lewis emphasized the importance of inclusivity in planning the event.
“We made sure there were multiple skill divisions: beginner, intermediate and advanced, so anyone could participate,” Lewis said. “Even if you weren’t playing, we wanted people to feel welcome to come watch, hang out and be part of something.”
That approach paid off as the event drew not only competitors, but also spectators who gathered to support friends, network and enjoy the environment. Organizers noted many attendees were seen exchanging contact information and making plans to stay connected beyond the tournament.
In addition to fostering social connections, the event directly supports the Chamber’s foundation, a nonprofit dedicated to community improvement. The foundation provides grants, supports educational initiatives and invests in projects aimed at enhancing Huntington’s quality of life.
Lewis pointed to a broader concept often referred to as the “Millennium Park effect,” where investments in beautification lead to increased tourism and economic activity.
“When you make a place more visually appealing, more people want to visit,” he said, “and when more people visit, it benefits everyone: restaurants, shops and local services. It’s not just one business gaining, it’s the whole community.”
Looking ahead, organizers hope “Paddle for the Paint” is only the beginning. Archer expressed a strong interest in continuing partnerships with Marshall students, particularly in ways that provide hands-on learning opportunities while benefiting the broader community.
“I hope this becomes an annual event,” she said. “The students did an incredible job bringing this together. It wasn’t easy, but they really stepped up. We’d love to continue creating opportunities like this whether through events, internships or mentorships that connect students with the local business community.”
As the final matches wrapped up and participants packed up their paddles, Archer said the impact of the event was already evident, not just in funds raised, but in the connections formed and the shared investment in Huntington’s future.
Jimmy John Jacob can be contacted at [email protected].
