The Harrison Township Recreation Commission is offering open play pickleball and clinics for residents of Mullica Hill, taking advantage of the sport’s growing popularity.
Pickleball is similar to tennis but is played on a smaller court. The township pickleball program is currently in its second year and was inspired by programs in nearby towns.
“Last year, we were enlightened to pickleball by our tennis instructor,” said Recreation Coordinator Sharon Chew. “He suggested that we add it in after other towns have had success with their programs … We bought two sets of disposable nets to use on our tennis courts in Ella Robinson Park. One tennis court is equal to two tennis courts.”
To better integrate the sport into the commission’s activities, some tennis courts were designated as pickleball courts. The commission is also considering the transformation of an old basketball court into a permanent pickleball court.
There are two ways for Mullica Hill residents to take part in pickleball: They can play in Ella Harris Park every Wednesday from 1 to 7 p.m. using their own equipment and a net provided by the commission. The last open play pickleball day will be on Oct. 26.
For those who want to learn how to play the sport, the commission also offers clinics that each last four weeks and require registration of $60. The current fall session started on Sept. 13 and is already full. Another clinic is planned for next spring, with an exact date yet to be determined.
For more information regarding pickleball in Mullica Hill, keep up with the Harrison Township Recreation Commission on their Facebook page and website to hear about what they have planned for pickleball in both the winter and spring.
