Pickleball courts are a popular place

The pickleball courts at Laketown Township Hall, 4338 Beeline Road, echoed with the sounds of paddles on Wiffle balls and friendly chatter on Wednesday morning, Aug. 28, 2024. At least 18 players were either in play or waiting to take the courts.

They followed Open Play rules even though formal Open Play hours are set for Tuesdays and Thursdays from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m.

The players on Wednesday explained that Open Play is the best way to move everyone onto the courts to enjoy the game. The play is self-regulated.

Open Play, also known as Drop-In Play, is a doubles game. After the two teams finish their game, the two partners from the winning team stay on the court but split, one on each new team. Two new players come on, one with each of the previous winners, and a new game begins.

The defeated players exit the court and “rack their paddles,” placing their paddles in line for the new game.

After two consecutive games, a player must rack their paddle.

Players can use the TeamReach app to check play times, names of players, chat and see who signed up. The password is “Laketown” to join.

Laketown has two courts that opened in 2021. They are free and open to everyone. Parking is at the township hall.