This Wednesday (July 24) morning from 8:30 am to 12:30 pm, two or more of the pickleball courts at Harris Township Park at Elm Road are reserved by the township. The final number is subject to attendance at the event – a clinic by a pickleball pro.
The public is invited to watch, free.
Pickleball continues to grow in popularity. Upcoming local events offer opportunities to learn more about the sport and observe top caliber players in action.
Michiana Midwest Classic at Notre Dame
For the second year in a row there will be a competitive pickleball tournament with a national draw of over 200 participants including those ranked 5.0, the highest available from the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA). The event is free and open to the public at the Compton Ice Arena on the campus of the University of Notre Dame, Saturday August 3rd and Sunday August 4th.
The tournament is coordinated by the Michiana Pickleball Association. Inquiries may be directed to http://michianapickleballclub.org or Nick Falletta, President at 574-344-9393.
Clinic by Pickleball pro Laura Fenton Kovanda
This recognized expert will teach techniques on Wednesday July 24 (9 am to noon) at Harris Township’s pickleball courts on Elm Road, between the Harris branch library and fire station. Participating in the clinic requires a fee, but watching from the sidelines is free and open to the public. Contact the Michiana Pickleball Association for more information.
Introduction to Pickleball lessons
One hour sessions are held at 6pm on the first and third Mondays of each month into September, at the same Harris Township Park at Elm Road courts. Instructors are volunteers from the Michiana Pickleball Association. Wear court-friendly shoes. There is no charge. Loaner paddles are provided. Subject to weather and schedule changes.
Paddles may be checked out of the Harris branch library
Interested in learning on your own, before investing in paddles? Paddles and balls are available for check-out from the Harris branch library. This is an ongoing program.
[Laura Fenton Kovanda and Nick Falletta are available to speak with representatives of the media]
Kenneth E. (Ken) Lindsay
Harris Township Trustee
www.HarrisTwp.com
574-272-2371
The Pickleball nets at Harris Township Park at Elm Road will be taken down this coming weekend.
They will be put back up in the spring.
If you left paddles at Elm Road, please contact the township to claim them.
If you accidently walked off with one or more paddles used during a Beginner Monday session, please return to the township. No hard feelings, we just need it in order to offer any future classes. Look for a PROPERTY OF HARRIS TOWNSHIP asset tag.
Reminder: Paddles and balls are available for check-out from the Harris Branch Library just north of the park.
It is complete! The sidewalk is poured, connecting north of Harris Township Park at Elm Road toward the library and Bridlewood. Many thanks to Granger Paths, the Bridlewood HOA, and Tim Murray for making it happen.
The original vision of a park as a destination on the Granger Path is a reality. You can now complete a loop from the park, north up Elm to Adams, then east on Adams to ‘downtown’ Granger, back down 23 to Elm, then north on Elm past the fire station and back to the park. You can also go west on Adams and take the path all the way to Heritage Square. Or do the whole trip from one Granger Martins to the other, stopping at the park for a visit to the playground, to shoot some hoops, or play a game of pickleball. No paddles? You can check them out from the Harris Branch library, next door.
The St. Joseph County parks department owns 118 acres of land in Harris Township (on Anderson Road) but hasn’t developed it in 20 years and currently has no plans to develop it – meaning there is no county park in Harris Township (also Granger). They’re now taking input for their master plan on their website, and at 574-277-4828. What a great opportunity to tell them to you’d like a park in Harris Township!
https://www.southbendtribune.com/…/article_c044d728-4164-5e…
The township recently added a park on Elm Road, but the county has many more resources and is the logical choice to provide park services. Whether you’re interested in playgrounds, fields, courts or just enjoying the outside – make your voice heard.
Parking blocks, speed bumps, new markings, a walkway, and new garbage cans – in addition to the repaired driveway and new parking spots near the playground – round out the latest improvements at Harris Township Park at Brummitt Road.
Learn more about birds by volunteering to check on the bluebird boxes a few times a year. There are eight boxes. Training available. And it allows you to get outdoors!
Contact the township if interested, 574-272-2371 or HarrisTrusteeLindsay@gmail.com
Parking near the playground has been improved! There are more spots. They are lined. A handicap spot is also marked. A new walkway puts a little more distance between parked cars and the playground. Enjoying the playground just got a little easier!
Also, the driveway was repaired, so no more asphalt divots. Parking blocks are on the way, as are driveway speed bumps.
