As Freddie "Boom Boom" Washington would say, Hi There.  You youngsters can YouTube it.  It has been an interesting week with venturing out of the county to play, exploring some public courts I did not know about and getting invited to discuss adding a court (hopefully 2) to a local park.  So with that little tease, let's explore the Pickleverse.

1. Lamar - I learned about 4 dedicated courts at Porter Township Recreation Park located along Route 64 just a bit after you enter Clinton County.  On Wednesday I ventured out to see if they really existed.  I was surprised to discover that not only did they exist but were dedicated pickleball courts and not pickleball courts on top of a tennis court.  It appears they took a basketball court put down some driveway sealant overtop and painted pickleball courts on it.  The nets are portable nets that seem to be left there 24/7 during the season.  I took some snapshots that are below.  I don't know how busy they get but if you are looking for a different place to play, check it out.

2. Walker Township - Walker Township residents, your pleas may have finally been heard.  I was requested to meet with the township recreation committee later this month on bringing pickleball to their community park.  They will be considering installing dedicated courts in the future but they want to do something now.  The park has one tennis court and a basketball court.  The courts are poured concrete.  I don't know the age of the courts but whatever company did the concrete work did a great job. The surface is level and even at the joints the balls I bounced came back true.  I measured the basketball court and unfortunately the width was not large enough for a safe zone behind the ends of the court.  Creating two courts going lengthwise would start adding expenses and more because of the need to create a ball barrier between the 2 courts.  I then turned my sights to the tennis court.  Of course the obvious response is to do what so many other parks have done which is put a pickleball court on top of the tennis court.  Personally I never liked that because you always have those big zones around the pickleball court for chasing down balls.  I have to measure to make sure there is room but what I would like to present is two courts, with one on each side of the tennis net.  I imagine they want to maintain the tennis court as an option so people would need to bring their own net ro they have rollway nets that are left there during the season.  Being an ex-cop I tend to anticipate the worst in people but I was surprised at the Lamar courts that those portable nets were there and based on weathering had been there for some time.  So Walker Township folks and other eastern Centre Countians if Walker would not supply roll away nets for two courts, would you consider having two courts but having to BYON (bring your own net)?  I will keep you updated as this develops.

3. Joola Paddles - the decertification of their Gen 3 paddles has been upheld and Joola is offering refunds for paddle purchased between April 16 and June 15, 2024.  Apparently some folks don't think that was enough so a class action suit for $5 million is in the works. Joola is also considering legal action against USAPA for the decertification and their testing methods.

4. Paddle Donations - I am ready to receive gently used paddles that I can overgrip or regrip and donate to the Bellefonte Area High School.  If you have a paddle to donate you can give it to me directly or leave it at the desk at The Centre.  Thank you in advance.

5. For Sale - Mardi F. is looking to sell her unused, still in the packaging Holbrook Power Pro 12mm.  When Mardi purchased her paddle they sent her 2 by mistake and when she contacted them about the err, they told her to keep it.  This paddle retails, before my discount, at $219.99.  She is asking $80.00.  This paddle has some real muscle to it so make sure you have some good swing mechanics to contain this beast.  If you are interested email Mardi at mardifrye@gmail.com. 

6. A Fan Favorite - The reason wants to sell her paddle is that she has a new love, the Mav Pro 2.0.  Several players have used the demo and are really liking it.  It has a number of features like a carbon fiber face that you find on higher end paddles but a very player friendly price of $99.99 (about $80 after my discount is applied).   I just ordered a second demo for my bag, but this one is pink.  I should have that next week.  Just let me know if you want to test drive it.

7. Weekly Training TIp - First of all, many thanks to Steve F. for helping with this video. In this video Steve and demonstrate a drill to sharpen your skills to defend against an opponent that is attacking your feet with deep dinks.  If you like videos like this, let me know.  Here is the link:  https://youtu.be/le1IGhRbGi0?si=bqEAUUQyADe0oSxL .

8. Last Call? - I am psyched that I am $61.00 shy of hitting my Great Cycle Challenge fundraising goal.  I cannot fully express the deep gratitude I have for my pickleball friends.and the generosity they have extended towards my efforts.  I have a new saddle (no it's not one of those wide comfort saddles) to test ride and the weather may be somewhat cooperative this coming week for some training rides.  If you would like to check out my page and perhaps make a donation here is the link:  https://greatcyclechallenge.com/Riders/RandyHoffman .
   
   

As usual the links for indoor play are below.  Have a great week and I hope to see you on a court or a bike trail someday soon.

C3 Sports:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-50021259-c3pickleball

The Centre:  https://www.signupgenius.com/go/70A0B4BA5AA28AB9-50021260-nvsc

Randy Hoffman

Holbrook PIckleball Ambassador

https://holbrookpickleball.com/

Discount Code = RANDYHOFFMAN20