RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONY (L-R): CAD DYER, DIRECTOR OF RACKET SPORTS, AND BOARD PRESIDENT RON ASSISE
PHOTOS CONTRIBUTED BY LOU BOTTITTA, JANE BREISCH, LYNN ROBERTS, KATHY MOORE, AND JANE SIMON
The notion of Pickleball at Heritage Palms began in 2012 with an informational session at “The Lodge.” HP members, Kathy Moore and Jane Simon brought in a Pickleball Pro to provide information and instruction. In 2014, the courts were moved to the parking lot where the activity center is now and then moved back to “The Lodge.” In the fall of 2017, two courts were built on the corner of Queen Palm and Washingtonia where they’ve continued to be very busy since day one. The HPPA, in collaboration with the Tennis/Pickleball/Bocce Committee, proposed the need for additional courts to the HP Board. On December 18, 2023, the “Pickleball Expansion Project” resolution passed. The HP membership approved the project on January 19, 2024. For photos and more history on pickleball, please visit the History of Heritage Palms on our website: https://www.hpgcc.com//getattachment/2e4351e1-adc7-4b6d-9dc7-c35d62c0b4e8/Tennis_Pickleball.aspx
WITH RAFFLE WINNER,
ANDY WEINER.
After unforeseen delays, the project began in December 2024, and was completed this April. The four new courts were opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on April 25. (A Grand Opening is scheduled for the fall.) Mimosas were served, and two excellent paddles were raffled off. The crowd of over 100 enjoyed a ceremonial first game, and afterwards, the courts filled up with enthusiastic pickleball players who had waited a long time for this moment. It was a great day!
(L-R): BOBBY ROBERTS, BRYAN DEAN,
DAVID GINTER, AND RON ASSISE.
The HPPA has planned next season’s events, which include the following. Please mark your calendars:
• Grand Opening of the new courts, tentatively scheduled for this November. Details to follow
• Back to Season Party: January 12 at 5:30 p.m. in the Palms Dining Room.
End of Season Party: March 23 at 5 p.m. in the Palms Dining Room.
• Play it Forward Charity Event: January 25. Sponsored by the HPPA & HPTA.
• Monthly Round Robin and Happy Hour to be held the last Monday evening of the month. Depending on participation they may increase to twice a month. Cabana to remain open during the Round Robin. This event open to all interested players. Proposed start date is November 24.
• HPPA Round Robin tournament dates: January 21 for men; January 22 for women. February 21 for both men’s & women’s tournaments. Couples’ tournament is March 23.
• Chad Dyer will be working on a proposal to join other community leagues this summer.
BRENDA GINTER, CINDY NORRIS, LYNN ROBERTS,
AND CHERYL PENKALSKI.
KEVIN AMMON, LARRY GERMAN, GORDON HODGSON,
AND CAROLYN LAWVER
The HPPA will be meeting with Chad and the Raquet Sports staff this summer to discuss the best use of the courts next season. If anyone has some good ideas about this transition, please email me.
This will be my last BTP article. It’s been a pleasure to document the progress our Pickleball Community has made, and all the fun along the way. See you on the Courts!
