(Chelsea Update would like to thank Laura Ouellette for the information in this story.)
The Chelsea Pickleball Club and Wolverine Pickleball are teaming up to present “Play Like a Pro” on Sunday, Sept. 24, from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pierce Lake Elementary School, 275 North Freer Road.
The clinic is a fundraiser for the six new pickleball courts that will be built as part of the “TimberTown Reimagined” project being organized by Huron Waterloo Pathways Initiative (HWPI) and the City of Chelsea.
Pickleball, one of the fastest growing sports in America, has exploded in Chelsea, with the local club outgrowing the available courts.
“The Chelsea Senior Center has been the place to play for years now,” said Laura Ouellette, Chelsea Pickleball ambassador. “They offer amazing programming with free pickleball lessons and drills plus weekday open play times for members of any age.”
But with the club tripling in size in just the last two years, the three indoor courts located in the Washington Street Education Center are not enough to keep pace with the demand for court time. So, while there will still be regular action at these indoor courts, additional courts in the city are very needed.
With the help of HWPI, Chelsea Pickleball started fundraising on July 1 and now have the funds to begin to construct the new outdoor courts.
It’s been exciting, says Ouellette, to see how quickly the pickleball community has responded.
“In less than 90 days, we’ve raised $150,000. And now we’re making the last push through programming and a matching donation opportunity from a generous donor,” she said.
Play Like A Pro is a fun and educational clinic and will feature a focus on specific skills to improve and the opportunity to play with high level players and local certified coaches.
All players looking to improve their game should consider signing up.
“It’s a great way to support this project and enhance your skills,” says Ouellette.
Other regular opportunities are available to learn to play or if you simply want to make a non-taxable donation to the project, please reach out to Laura Ouellette at 734-358-0548 or visit www.Timbertownchelsea.org.
