Open house set for July 29

Those who enjoy pickleball, which combines elements of tennis, badminton and pingpong, can now enjoy the sport locally on courts that recently opened in Honey Brook Borough Park, 73 Pequea Ave., Honey Brook.

An open house at the borough's new pickleball courts will take place on Monday, July 29, from 6 to 8 p.m. The event will feature refreshments, giveaways and beginner lessons provided by Jackie Sweenie, owner of Next Level Indoor Sports in Downingtown. Paddles and balls will be provided.

The courts were created on the park's former tennis courts. "We resurfaced the old tennis courts that were not being used," explained Sandy Cooper, a member of Honey Brook Borough Council. "We painted white lines for four brand-new pickleball courts. They are unlocked and open to be used from dawn to dusk."

She noted that pickleball is becoming increasingly popular throughout the country because it is a sport that can be enjoyed by people of all ages. "It's similar to tennis, but the court is much smaller, and you stand close to 'the kitchen' area by the net," she explained. "You're not running as much, but it's still a great workout."

Cooper said that several groups are already playing regular games on the Honey Brook pickleball courts, including local families. "It's great to see the court filled with young people," she stated. "We are excited to have a (previously) unused area being used, and we want people to know about it."

During the open house on July 29, attendees will also be given free tickets to win prizes through a random drawing. Prizes will include pickleball sets, which include paddles, balls and a bag, and three copies of John Amrein's book "FUNdamentals of Pickleball." 

"It is going to be a very simple event, not a festival or party, just an open house to encourage the borough residents to come out and see the courts and learn a little about the game," Cooper said, noting that West Bradford Township also recently opened pickleball courts. "We started talking to West Bradford, who did an open house, and Jackie Sweenie went there and that gave us the idea. We hope to have other experienced players there that can help people with instructions on how to play."

She added that those who would like to reserve a time to play on the courts should download the TeamReach app and use the code HBPickleball.

The borough also plans to utilize the courts for events. "We want to start doing some beginner classes, and they will be listed on the TeamReach app," Cooper said. "We also thought about Friday night family nights and doing organized play."

The park is located directly behind the Honey Brook Post Office and Honey Brook Borough Hall on Route 10. For more information about the courts, call the borough office at 610-273-2020 or visit http://www.honeybrookborough.net and choose "Pickleball Courts are Open" under Borough News.