By Lisa Carolin
Pickleball enthusiasts currently have a place to play outdoor pickleball in Chelsea.
Two tennis courts at Beach Middle School have been taped and converted to four pickleball courts with the cooperation of the school district, and Chelsea Senior Center Pickleball Club members are grateful for the opportunity.
According to Laura Ouellette, ambassador for the U.S.A. Pickleball Association, you don’t have to be a member of the Chelsea Senior Center to participate, but those interested in playing with club equipment need to pay $15 to the club and are asked to pay $25 to support the senior center.
“Players are welcome to play free if they bring their own nets and balls too on a first-come first-serve for the four available courts unless previously reserved or an ongoing school athletic program.” said Ouellette.
She says the Chelsea Senior Center Pickleball Club has more than 100 members, who played five days per week at the Washington Street Educational Center Gym pre-covid.
Play is expected to resume there once the senior center officially reopens, tentatively in August.
“Outdoor open play time has been reaching numbers of 30 plus players,” said Ouellette. “Pickleball is a great, easy to learn game for all people regardless of skill level. It provides terrific mental, social, and physical benefits.”
Most of the outdoor open play has been taking place Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays from 9 a.m.-noon. Co-owner of Wolverine Pickleball and district ambassador Leslie White (734-417-6309) also hosts league play time, lessons, and learn to play sessions at the Chelsea courts.
For more information on pickleball in Chelsea, call the Chelsea Senior Center at 734-475-9242 or follow the Chelsea Senior Center Pickleball Club Facebook site.
I would personally like to thank everyone involved in helping this happen. I discovered pickleball over a year ago and have made wonderful friends and love playing. It’s a fun amazing game and the people involved are the best. Thank you a million times over. I’m so happy to wake up and know I can go to the courts and play . God is good!!!!! Julie prince
A great big thank you to the Chelsea School District for allowing us to use your facilities. As a member of the Chelsea Senior Center, I believe we have one of the finest centers for us (seniors). We at the center are looking forward to graduated reopening in August. We are also looking forward to seeing each other again soon.
Thank you the Chelsea School System for allowing the Chelsea Pickelball Club to set up courts for play. Thank you Leslie and Laura for co ordinating this function. Sooo much fun and lots of fun and laughter and of course exercise👍
My cell phone number for information is (734)417-6309. There was an error in my number above. You can also find information on our website at http://www.wolverinepickleball.com
Thanks Laura and Dennis Hall for spear heading these courts!