New pickleball courts debut in Freeport; grand opening celebration set
Pickleball enthusiasts in the Freeport area no longer have to travel very far when they want to hit the courts for a few volleys.
Six pickleball courts opened in Freeport Community Park in late August, and a grand opening celebration is scheduled for Oct. 7.
The courts were established by members of the Alle-Kiski Pickleball Inc., a nonprofit organization launched about two years ago to develop a facility for pickleball enthusiasts.
Project organizer and volunteer Larry Lutz said the closest pickleball courts to Freeport are in Verona.
Pickleball combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net.
About 36.5 million people play pickleball in the United States, according to the pickleheads.com website. Alle-Kiski Pickleball notes on its Facebook page that more than 100 college and university campuses in the U.S. have invested in pickleball clubs and facilities.
The courts developed by Alle-Kiski Pickleball offer free playing time to the public and scheduled court time for members of the organization. Founding memberships cost $75 per person.
“While the courts are always available for public use, founding members will enjoy access to certain courts on designated days and times and be eligible for one complimentary beginner session, all while also contributing to the upkeep of the courts,” according to a social media post by Cindy Smith, the organization’s secretary.
The courts are in the basketball area of the park.
Lutz said the paved basketball courts made for an easy decision to build the pickleball courts and helped to reduce the total cost of the project, which was about $80,000.
One basketball court will remain, Lutz said.
The project was paid for by private and public donations. As of Sept. 17, a “Help Make Alle- Kiski Pickleball Courts a Reality” GoFundMe established last October had raised more than $58,600 toward a goal of $75,000. Donations from individuals, groups and businesses to help maintain the courts are still being sought.
Harrison-based Allegheny-Kiski Health Foundation provided funding for two of the courts.
“Pickleball is the fastest-growing participation sport in the country,” foundation President John Pastorek said previously.
The dedicated pickleball courts are designed for novice, intermediate and advanced skill levels and will operate on a paddle rotation system.
John Ellison, 52, of Buffalo Township discovered pickleball about a year ago and joined the newly formed association.
“It’s awesome because it’s a 10-minute drive from my house,” he said. “It’s a wonderful part of the park, tucked away, and you can see nature. It’s a nice setting.
“Last night, there was a father playing with his three children. The people that made this happen have done a great job. Since it’s such a popular sport now, people have a local place to try it out.”
For Lutz, seeing the project completed is rewarding.
“I’m relieved,” Lutz said. “It was a lot of work.”
Alle-Kiski Pickleball has about 120 members and is seeking to increase membership.
The public is invited to the Oct. 7 grand opening celebration.
The free outdoor event from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. will include music, paddle demonstrations, food trucks, mini lessons, giveaways, skill games and a court for kids.
Participants also will be able to sign up to become a founding member.
Long-term plans for the courts include adding lights for night play.
Joyce Hanz is a native of Charleston, S.C. and is a features reporter covering the Pittsburgh region. She majored in media arts and graduated from the University of South Carolina. She can be reached at jhanz@triblive.com
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