1st Pickleball Tournament at Putnam Park: Putnam Park, newly opened to the public, hosted South Plainfield’s first-ever Pickleball Tournament on Friday, Aug. 2. The two-hour event drew 14 enthusiastic participants who braved the summer heat and humidity for a series of matches. Players engaged in four to five doubles games, rotating partners each round. The top four scorers faced off in a best-of-three final to determine the inaugural champions.
Champions Emerge from the Heat
Jimmy Tom and Steve Belanger clinched victory by defeating Loi Truong and Rob Rush with a 2-0 scoreline. Belanger, a longtime South Plainfield resident, shared his excitement with TAPinto, reflecting on the positive reception of the event. “I think people really enjoyed it,” he said. Belanger noted that many participants have been playing together since Bill Bier initiated a pickleball program through the South Plainfield Department of Recreation in late 2022.
“We play on a daily basis and this just added a little bit of competition to it.” – (Belanger)
Celebrating the New Pickleball Courts
Bill Bier, a key figure in establishing the pickleball program, expressed gratitude towards Recreation Director Elizabeth Yarus and Councilwoman Christine Faustini for their support. “We wanted to celebrate the new pickleball courts at Putnam Park.” Bier remarked. He emphasized the sport’s rapid growth and the inclusive nature of the local pickleball community, noting a balanced mix of men and women players.
“It’s the fastest growing sport, and we have a good mix of men and women playing with us.” – (Bier)
Pickleball’s Appeal and Community Spirit
Pickleball, a blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is played with a whiffle-like ball and a paddle on a court the size of a badminton court, with a tennis-style net. Its simple rules and adaptable nature make it accessible to players of all ages and skill levels. “It’s a pretty fast-paced game. One can have a different range of skills and still have a competitive game,” Belanger explained. He added that the sport provides opportunities to meet new people and enjoy friendly competition.
“The scoring allows you to play a lot of games during a session and against a lot of people.” – (Belanger)
Looking Ahead
Since pickleball’s introduction at the PAL, a dedicated group of about 20 residents has played daily, eagerly awaiting the chance to move to outdoor pickleball courts. Although they plan to return indoors as temperatures drop, the park’s courts remain a popular spot for outdoor play from 8 to 10 a.m., Monday through Friday. Belanger welcomed new players to join, emphasizing the community aspect of the sport.
“We are always looking for new people who are interested in playing. You don’t have to be a competitive pickleball player. The more, the merrier.” – (Belanger)
News in Brief: 1st Pickleball Tournament At Putnam Park
South Plainfield, NJ, celebrated the opening of Putnam Park with its first-ever Pickleball Tournament on Aug. 2. The two-hour event featured 14 players competing in multiple doubles games, with Jimmy Tom and Steve Belanger emerging victorious over Loi Truong and Rob Rush in the final.
Belanger noted the enjoyment of the competition and the community’s enthusiasm, thanks in part to Bill Bier’s efforts to establish a pickleball program through the South Plainfield Department of Recreation. The sport, a mix of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, continues to attract players of all skill levels. Residents play daily at the park and welcome new participants. “The more, the merrier,” Belanger said.
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