By MARY ANNE GATES

For the Northwest News

Through grants, fundraisers and fees to play pickleball, the H-TOWN Pickleball players have raised over $130,000 for the installation of six H-TOWN pickleball courts at the Huntertown Family Park at the corner of Woods Road and Old Lima Road in Huntertown.

Putting the fundraising drive over the top recently was a $53,000 donation from North Eastern Development Corp.

“It was an opportunity for me to give back to the Huntertown community. Recognizing the hundreds and hundreds of houses that we are putting into the Huntertown community — so, in my way of thinking, it is only fair that when I find an opportunity like that, I give back specifically to the Huntertown community,” said Joe Zehr, owner, North Eastern Development Corp.

The pickleball courts are north of the dog park and west of the volleyball courts. The installation of permanent nets, fencing around the pickleball courts and a final coat of a specialized playing surface similar to a tennis court surface completes Phase 1 of the project. Developers expect to meet that mark in early June.

Some of the money for the pickleball courts was raised through tournament fees paid by H-TOWN pickleball players.

“We have had various tournaments where the fees were dedicated to the pickleball courts. Our tournaments have raised from $1,500 to $4,000. It all depends on how big the tournaments are and how many people sign up,” said Sherry Karst, pickleball court coordinator and fundraiser.

In non-tournament games, players pay much smaller fees with $1 going directly to the pickleball fund, she said.

Besides game fees, donations from pickleball players have added to the pickleball courts fund.

“Several pickleball players have given anywhere from $100 to $2,500 extra to go toward construction of the courts,” Karst, an avid pickleball player, said.

A tournament is planned during Huntertown Heritage Days, Aug. 11-13.

“It will be the first tournament on the new pickleball courts at the Huntertown Family Park,” Karst said. “Play will include mixed-doubles, singles, seniors, intermediate and advanced play.”

Currently, Pickleball tournaments are held at nearby Lifehouse Church, 16021 Lima Road. The H-Town pickleball players meet several times a week, Karst said.

Finally, with Phase 1 nearing completion, Karst is looking ahead to pavilions, lighting and bathrooms.

Phase 2 calls for two pavilions, each 24×16, on the east and west sides of the pickleball courts.

“If we would get enough money, Phase 2 would include lighting,” Karst said. “Phase 3 would be bathrooms near the pickleball courts.”