On Wednesday, October 8, the Southeast Michigan Chamber of Commerce and the City of Utica gathered at Grant Park to celebrate the grand opening of Utica’s newest recreation destination: four brand-new pickleball courts and a fully resurfaced tennis court—made possible through the generosity of Chamber member JARS Cannabis.

 

The dedication ceremony brought out city officials, Chamber members, and local residents for an afternoon of community pride, networking, and plenty of pickleball enthusiasm. Utica Mayor Gus Calandrino shared remarks praising JARS Cannabis for their investment in local recreation and quality of life, with additional comments from special guests and city partners. A ceremonial ribbon cutting marked the official opening, followed by photo ops, media coverage, and lots of excitement from local pickleball players ready to test out the new courts.

 

And what’s a celebration without a little treat? Attendees enjoyed complimentary ice cream from a visiting dessert truck, adding a deliciously sweet note to the day’s festivities. The event was a perfect example of how private-public partnerships can bring real value to Southeast Michigan communities. We’re proud to have JARS Cannabis as part of our Chamber family and grateful for their continued commitment to Utica.