Willoughby Hills picks up on pickleball

The game of pickleball, which dates back to 1965, may be a new addition to Willoughby Hills by mid-June.

A combination of racquetball, Ping-Pong and tennis, according to the USA Pickleball Association, plans are in motion for the two tennis courts located at 35405 Chardon Road behind the City Hall building to continue the history of the game.

The posts are currently in the process of being installed, but due to the weather, it’s been difficult to drill down through the asphalt because of the mud, according to the Willoughby Hills Recreation Commission.

Once all of the posts are installed, fencing will be put up, as well as an additional fence that will separate the first two courts.

According to the Recreation Commission, the next steps are the completion of two courts out of the four that are proposed and discussion with pickleball players. The process is all weather dependent.

“When we did approve the pickleball courts, the budget was $8,000 to take two of the tennis courts and make them into four pickleball courts,” said commission member Sandy Grubiss.

The breakdown from the fund for the courts includes paint, fencing, the wind screen and additional labor, Grubiss said.

“My husband got the fence donated for free from the Garfield property,” Grubiss said, in regard to the former Garfield School property. The Willoughby-Eastlake School District sold the property off to a private purchaser, who donated the fence. “He said that would make a great divider, so he reached out and they were happy to donate it, which was great.”

According to the USA Pickleball Association, there are now nearly 8,500 locations on the USA Pickleball’s Places 2Play map. The spread of the sport is attributed to its popularity within community centers, PE classes, YMCA facilities and retirement communities.