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
First and third Mondays of the month starting May 6, likely continuing until July.
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 pickleball nets at the Elm Road park will come down for the winter in November, with the exact date being weather-dependent.
We hope you enjoyed the first full year of play.
Good Shepherd, across the street from Harris Township’s park at Elm Road, is full of good, welcoming people. From the time the park was envisioned, they offered words of support. But their support goes far beyond words. They hosted a community forum about the park in 2015, and they have always invited the community to enjoy their playground. If you go, please be careful of the traffic on Elm Road.
One definition of community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests, and goals“. Good Shepherd UMC contributes positively to the sense of community in Granger. We, for one, appreciate their efforts.
Granger Good Shepherd’s website can be found at http://grangergoodshepherd.org/
Sunday worship is at 10:30 am.
PRAYER GARDEN/PLAYGROUND A place of reflection, prayer, and some worship services. It can be found next to the playground and both are open to the public.
If you’re able to offer support (or need help), their paper pantry distributes household cleaning and paper products that are not available to recipients of the SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program). Items available the last Monday of each month include paper towels, toilet paper, laundry detergent, and soap.
EXPLORER DOME – now available at Harris Township Park at Elm Road, between the library and the fire station on Elm Road, north of State Road 23. Brought to you by your Harris Township elected officials: Board members Jeff Broadwick, Chuck Sulok and Karen Vargo, and Township Trustee Kenneth E. (Ken) Lindsay
