Nearly two years after its ribbon-cutting, H-Town Pickleball in Huntertown, Indiana, continued to thrive as a community favorite. Located at Huntertown Family Park, the courts were built through local fundraising and volunteer efforts. Residents like Kristi Kamide and Sherry Karst helped bring the courts to life through passion, dedication, and teamwork.
A Community Effort to Build a Dream
H-Town Pickleball officially opened on July 26, 2023, with Sherry Karst cutting the ribbon. Karst, joined by cheering supporters, led the project from the start. The courts were built entirely through private donations because Huntertown Family Park, created in 2013, is not funded by the government.
“Sherry Karst just has a way,” said Kristi Kamide. “When she has a vision, she sees it through. It happens.”
The effort started small, with local fundraisers. Then, momentum grew. Karst said, “I don’t know, it just grew. Then we had big donations and it got momentum going and it was here before we knew it.”
A major push came from the North Eastern Development Corporation, which donated over $50,000. That support helped complete the project quickly.
A Space for Everyone
The courts became a hub for all ages. Karst shared, “There’s young people. Kids and families are coming out. Parents are teaching their kids how to play.”
Bruce Hartman said, “If you like a natural high, pickleball is for you. Anybody can play this sport. Any physique can play.”
Kristi Kamide agreed, adding, “You don’t have to be a super-duper athlete. Look at me! I’ve never played a sport in my life, but I love the game!”
Hartman explained, “It’s not necessarily the competition with anyone else. It’s about competition with yourself.”
Paul Kaiser, who travels from Leo twice a week, said, “Being 65, it’s great to have something I like to do. It’s not as much running as tennis, but you can still get around and work as much as you want to.”
Staying Active and Connected
A large pavilion was built next to the courts to give players shade while they waited. A paddle system helped groups know when it was their turn to play on the six courts.
Players also used the Team Reach app to organize games and stay in touch. “Team Reach is a sports app where you communicate with other players of a specific sport,” said Kamide. “We have a code. It’s really easy to create and keep in touch and get games going at a moment’s notice.”
The Team Reach app can be downloaded from both Apple and Google stores. The group code for H-Town Pickleball is HTOWNPB.
Looking Back with Pride
As H-Town Pickleball approached its two-year anniversary in July, the community reflected on its success. Kristi Kamide said, “Sherry had a vision, and she made it happen.”
Sherry Karst added, “It’s everything I thought it would be, and more.”
The 27-acre Huntertown Family Park continues to serve the local area. Besides pickleball courts, it offers a dog park, amphitheater, trails, playgrounds, and a state-recognized wetland. The park is located at 2303 Woods Road, off Old Lima Road in Huntertown, Indiana.
News in Brief: H-Town Pickleball Huntertown Community Project
H-Town Pickleball in Huntertown, Indiana, was built through donations and volunteer work. Led by Sherry Karst, the project created a community space for people of all ages. Opened in July 2023, the courts remain popular, with features like shade, a paddle queue, and easy game scheduling through the Team Reach app.
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