Montgomery Parks opened six new lighted pickleball courts in East Norbeck Local Park Wednesday during a grand opening ribbon-cutting ceremony. The event featured a brief speaking program and a raffle for a chance to win a free JOOLA pickleball paddle.
This project brought the total number of dedicated pickleball courts in Montgomery County to 18 (with 14 being lighted), as well as 50 different parks in the Montgomery County park system where pickleball can be played, according to Darren Flusche, the deputy director of administration for Montgomery Parks.
“East Norbeck Local Park is a perfect destination for a facility like this because it is very accessible by a car, there’s parking, [it’s accessible] by bus, and there are virtually no neighbors to disrupt,” said Flusche. “If you listen carefully, you can hear the [Intercounty Connector] 150 feet from here.”
Even before the ceremony, dozens of parkgoers bundled up for the chilly fall weather were already taking advantage of the lighted courts, so much so that many had to wait before getting their turn to play.
“One of the best parts about pickleball is that it is so accessible of an athletic activity for everyone in the community,” said Andrew Friedson, Montgomery County Council president and District 1 councilmember. “That’s what makes me so excited about it.”
