NORTH WHITEHALL TWP, P.a. — Pickleball, that fun and sociable game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is booming across the Lehigh Valley.
But until now, North Whitehall and South Whitehall townships have been pickleball deserts.
- North and South Whitehall townships may get new pickleball courts soon
- North Whitehall is further along in the process, with a plan to install them in 2023
- South Whitehall supervisors are still considering their options, but a consulting firm the township hired said they will strongly recommend they find a way to get pickleball courts
That likely will change soon.
North Whitehall Township Manager Randy Cope said the township is trying to put three new pickleball courts in Laurys Firehouse Park in 2023.
And South Whitehall Township’s developing parks plan identifies new pickleball courts as a top priority for residents.
Pickleball resembles badminton and tennis, but players use smaller courts, wooden paddles and perforated plastic balls. The sport has grown dramatically in the past five years: currently, 4.8 million people across all age ranges play the game, according to USA Pickleball, which is the National Governing Body for the sport in the United States.
North Whitehall Pickleball
North Whitehall Township recently completed its Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan, which will serve as a guide for the future of the township’s recreation.
One of the top goals identified was installing new pickleball courts at Laurys Firehouse Park. Cope said the township plans to turn one of the park’s basketball courts into three pickleball courts.
The project would cost about $250,000, which includes funds to renovate the parking lots and add solar lighting.
“This was kind of a quick-hitting low-hanging fruit project that we felt confident could get accomplished in a very short time frame at a relatively low cost."Randy Cope, North Whitehall Township manager
“This was kind of a quick-hitting, low-hanging fruit project that we felt confident could get accomplished in a very short time frame at a relatively low cost,” Cope said.
Cope hopes the changes would make Laurys Firehouse Park a more multi-generational park that serves people of all ages and abilities.
“It's [currently] really catered toward youth, with all the baseball fields, the playground, the basketball courts," he said. "Pickleball is a very rapidly growing sport specifically with the senior community.”
The township is applying for a grant from the state Department of Conservation & Natural Resources. It would match 50% of the township’s contributions, meaning the township would contribute $125,000 to the project from its recreation fund.
Cope said that if everything goes smoothly, the courts could be installed by the end of summer 2023. But if the township doesn't receive the grant, it will have to reconsider the plan's feasibility.
South Whitehall Pickleball
South Whitehall Township's plans for pickleball courts aren't as far along as its northern neighbor's. The township is still in the process of creating its new Park, Recreation, Open Space & Trails Plan.
“Typically a lot of sports target different age groups, so it's nice to see something that’s multigenerational.”Bryan Smith, Barry Isett & Associates
But according to Bryan Smith, an employee of the consulting firm advising the township on its plan, many residents have said they want pickleball courts.
Smith said his firm will strongly recommend them to the township's board of supervisors.
“Typically a lot of sports target different age groups, so it's nice to see something that’s multigenerational,” Smith said.
Township Manager Tom Petrucci said the supervisors still are considering their options. They have to go over the budget, and before then, he said they won’t have definitive answers.
Pickleball nearby
Pickleball is popular throughout the Lehigh Valley.
The Facebook group Lehigh Valley Pickleball has more than 900 followers. Upper Macungie Park & Recreation Board Chair Bret Spangler, who runs the page, said the pickleball courts at the township’s Grange Park often are used by more than 50 people on nice days.
In 2017, a group of residents from Upper Macungie Township persuaded the supervisors to install the Grange Park courts by showing up at meetings and putting on a presentation about why it was a good idea.
Spangler advised residents who want their townships to install pickleball courts to do the same.
“It's really [about] getting the township and municipalities to understand the dynamics of it and how easy it is,” Spangler said.
South Whitehall Township will solicit resident feedback for a draft of its Comprehensive Parks, Recreation, and Open Space Plan in the coming months.
