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Story and photos by Stephen Wilson
Imagine the first swing of a brand-new graphite pickleball paddle with a honeycomb core on its face, small sure-grip handle, and low-profile edge.
People of all ages are buying paddles in Montgomery Township in hopes of crushing the competition in the pickleball league at the township’s new recreation and community center.
The $11 million facility has invigorated local residents as they have filled the community room, double gymnasium, cardio rooms, track, youth lounge, outdoor playground, and splashpad.
Township Manager Larry Gregan was one of the featured speakers at the Meyner Center Annual Forum on Local Government. Gregan walked through the process of building the facility with 107 managers from nearly 59 local governments who attended to learn about and discuss municipal recreation programs and facilities.
John Kincaid, Robert B. and Helen S. Meyner Professor of Government and Public Service and director of Meyner Center for the Study of State and Local Government, began the day at the podium as he welcomed guests, including financial sponsors from T&M Associates and Beirne Wealth Consulting.
David Woglom, associate director for public service at the Meyner Center, also took the floor to moderate the program and thank guests for their vigorous engagement with the morning’s speakers who included Gregan; Scott McElree, manager of the borough of Quakertown; and Bethlehem ArtsQuest President/CEO Kassie Hilgert.
“Residents increasingly expect local governments to provide recreational and cultural amenities,” says Kincaid. “So our forum aimed to help them better understand how to envision and execute major projects, such as a recreation center.”
A selection of images from the day:
