Pickleball playing enthusiasts have a temporary but improved venue to work on their skills.

An informal group comprising Jan Brown, Larry Haskell, and Ed Miklaszewski recently met with First Selectman Dan Rosenthal and Newtown Parks and Recreation Director Amy Mangold to recommend repairing the Fairfield Hills temporary pickleball courts, and Recreation workers were there for several mid-October days upgrading the courts.

These repairs include a safer temporary fence, crack repair, resealing and relining the eight courts, and additional net posts and nets. One area of four courts has been completed and upgrades will be made to the other four courts, Mangold said.

The town’s Pickleball Club as well as the Parks and Recreation Commission through Parks and Recreation funds, have invested in the project, Mangold said.

The goal is to continue fundraising and support for permanent courts in a permanent location that is not designated for parking, Mangold added. She said the courts and the nets come down for large events on the campus to allow for parking, which is what these areas are actually zoned for.

"For now this is a great temporary solution for a sport that is the fastest growing in the country and is providing a multigenerational benefit of fitness, socialization, and recreation to our local residents," Mangold said.

Newtown Parks and Recreation has a Park Gift Fund for Pickleball. Donations sent in for that purpose is designated for Pickleball funding only. Checks can be made out to: Newtown Parks and Recreation Park Gift Fund with Pickleball Fund in the memo line; mail to Newtown Parks and Recreation, 8 Simpson Street Newtown, CT 06470.

Sports Editor Andy Hutchison can be reached at andyh@thebee.com.