Picklers rejoice at site of new courts

The Town of Brookhaven Department of Parks, Recreation and Sports, and Cultural Resources recently added 11 new pickleball courts, including four at the Moriches Athletic Complex. The cost for the project, according to the town, was $225,000 as part of the Parks Capital Budget.

In addition to the new courts at the Moriches Athletic Complex, there are new courts located at Sylvan Avenue in Miller Place (three) and the Medford Athletic Complex (four). The new courts now add to the town’s lineup of 11 courts at the Centereach pool, as well as the courts at the Mastic Athletic Complex, which have plans to be refaced. The town also has plans to add new pickleball courts at Martha Avenue Park, in Bellport.

According to supervisor Daniel J Panico, the town has invested heavily in their parks system and open spaces.

“These 11 new pickleball courts double our existing inventory and are providing recreational activity and a great deal of enjoyment for our residents,” he said. “Rumor has it that my colleague Karen has challenged my former legislative aide, her current legislative aide, to a match. While I cannot choose sides on whom might win such an event, I can say that the entire town board looks forward to it.”

On July 10, Panico and councilwoman Karen Dunne Kesnig stopped by the Moriches Athletic Complex to see the four new pickleball courts.

“Even I am not too old and out of shape to give pickleball a try on these beautiful new courts, and I will be playing with my legislative aide and secretary,” joked Dunne Kesnig. 

While there, they met with enthusiastic picklers, who are avid fans of the game and excited to play on the new courts. One such pickler is Moriches resident Michelle Robey, who has been playing the sport for about a year after taking a lesson in Florida and becoming “obsessed.”

“I found it difficult in the beginning to find courts and people to play with here on Long Island, but the TeamReach app really helped in terms of joining different groups and playing with random people who ultimately became friends,” she said.

Typically, she was playing at Mastic, Calverton, and Sayville, traveling up to a half hour to play. She is also a member at Paddles Up in Bellport for indoor play. She plays about three to four times a week with her husband, sister, and players she has met along the way.

“These new courts at the MAC field are a game changer. So close to my house and absolutely beautiful!” she said of the Moriches addition. “I love that they are shaded, have fence dividers between the courts to limit interference from other games, and have lights for night play, especially in the summer when it’s too hot to play in the middle of the day.”

She loves the sport for how inclusive it is.

“It is fun, challenging, and great exercise,” she said. “You can have a great time as a beginner while continuing to learn and improve your game. If you are not very athletic, you can still be very competitive by perfecting the strategy and placement of the ball. I have had 80-year-olds kick my butt because although they may not be able to run around the court, they can place the ball perfectly and beat you every time!”

What more could you ask for?

Actually, she suggested a picnic table be added to rest between games, as well as a paddle rack to line up their paddles for the next players. According to town parks commissioner Ed Morris, the town does currently have plans to add benches and paddle racks.

“I’m so excited to play at these courts,” she said, noting those are only suggestions. “It’s great to see our tax dollars put to such good use!”