Belleville Launches Pickleball Leagues: Embracing a new era of community engagement and healthy living, the township of Belleville is proud to announce the launch of its inaugural adult programs through the recreation department. Under the enthusiastic direction of interim director Lenny Averhoff, Belleville is set to become a hub of athletic activity and camaraderie.
Pickleball League for All Skill Levels
The centerpiece of this new initiative is the introduction of a pickleball league tailored to residents aged 18 and older. Whether you’re a seasoned player or just starting out, this league offers a welcoming environment for all skill levels. Games will take place on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon at the Belleville Municipal Stadium Complex, promising a fun-filled and competitive atmosphere. Even if you don’t have a partner, single registrants are encouraged to join and experience the thrill of pickleball.
Co-Ed Basketball League with a Twist
In addition to pickleball, Belleville is launching a co-ed basketball league with a unique twist. Teams of up to five players will engage in half-court, 3-on-3 play, ensuring fast-paced and dynamic games. One of the league’s key features is the requirement that each team must have at least one woman and one man on the court at all times. This rule not only adds an exciting strategic element to the game but also promotes inclusivity and teamwork.
“I’m a retired Port Authority policeman and I have loved competing in their sports programs like flag football and basketball,” Averhoff said. “I know a lot of the residents of Belleville also love to play sports, and we are happy to debut these adult summer programs. We decided to launch basketball and pickleball first because they’re popular sports. When we offer our pickleball lessons, the time slots fill up in a day or two.”
Lenny Averhoff, a longtime coach in the Recreation Department and a football coach at Belleville High School, highlighted that the deadline to register for the pickleball and basketball leagues is July 20, with play commencing on July 27.
The cost to participate is $50 per team, and checks and money orders should be made out to the Township of Belleville.
Mayor Michael A. Melham expressed his satisfaction with the new programs, stating, “I’m pleased that for the first time, we are offering adult programming through our recreation department. Not only are sports and recreation activities important to healthy lifestyles, but they help connect residents with their neighbors and represent a great way to make new friends. Under Lenny Averhoff, the department is already making a difference.”
News in Brief : Belleville Launches Pickleball Leagues
Belleville’s recreation department, led by interim director Lenny Averhoff, is launching its first adult programs to promote community engagement and healthy living. The key initiatives include a pickleball league for residents aged 18 and older, held on Saturdays at the Belleville Municipal Stadium Complex, and a co-ed basketball league featuring 3-on-3 half-court games with mixed-gender teams. Registration for both leagues is open until July 20, with games starting on July 27. The participation fee is $50 per team. Mayor Michael A. Melham praised the programs for fostering healthy lifestyles and community connections. Averhoff emphasized the popularity of pickleball and basketball, noting that pickleball lesson slots fill quickly.
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