The township pf Belleville is rolling out its inaugural adult programs through its recreation department.
Under interim director Lenny Averhoff, the township will be organizing a pickleball league featuring doubles play open to residents 18 and older. Games will be played Saturdays at 9 a.m. to noon at the Belleville Municipal Stadium Complex. Single registrants are also welcome.
The township is also launching a co-ed basketball league that will feature half-court, 3-on-3 play. Teams may have up to five players, but there must be at least one woman and one man on the court at all times. Games are scheduled for Saturdays from 1 to 4 p.m. at the Friendly House in the Silver Lake section.
“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.”
Averhoff, a longtime coach in the Recreation Department and a football coach at Belleville High School, said the deadline to register for the pickleball and basketball leagues is July 20 with play starting July 27.
The cost is $50 per team, and checks and money orders should be made out to the Township of Belleville.
“I’m pleased that for the first time, we are offering adult programming through our recreation department,” Mayor Michael A. Melham said. “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.”
For more information, call (973) 450-3422.
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