Pickleball vandals are wreaking havoc in East Texas. 

According to a story published on Wednesday in the Longview News-Journal, six pickleball courts at Guthrie Park have been vandalized twice since April 25.

The courts were reportedly stained with epoxy and yellow paint.

One of the courts also suffered physical damage as a portion of the concrete surface was chiseled out.

"That was a big mess," said Dustin Eberhart, President of the Longview Pickleball Club. "Luckily, the city got out there and got it cleaned up as best as possible [before our annual tournament]."

While the court with missing concrete remains playable, it's an obvious safety concern. Repainting and resurfacing is definitely on the menu.

Eberhart confirmed that similar vandalism occurred in three spots last year, and that wind screens were cut as well.

"Not only is it a burden on the city, it's a burden on the players as well," he mentioned.

The city of Longview converted former tennis courts at Guthrie Park into six pickleball courts in 2022.

Reporter Jo Lee Ferguson explained that "earlier this year, the city of Longview resurfaced and restriped those courts and added extra features, including benches, tables, trash cans, landscaping and a sunshade."

"It's just frustrating, when we have community partners pour their heart and soul into this," emphasized Eberhart.

Repairs are estimated at $9,000.

"If anybody is bored and looking for something to do, come pick up a paddle. Don't pick up a hammer and paint bucket," concluded Eberhart.