What an exciting time to see the fastest-growing sport in the country take root in western Massachusetts! Witness the development of pickleball courts in Westfield, Belchertown, South Hadley, Easthampton, Southampton and more. A new project in Hatfield has just been approved. And Friends of Northampton Pickleball (FNP), a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, has just reached the halfway mark in its $100,000 campaign to build courts at the Ellerbrook Fields in Northampton.

We appreciate the Gazette’s recent coverage of all things pickleball in the Pioneer Valley. Your readers may have learned that not everyone is keen on having pickleball played in their neighborhood.

What about that noise? Thwank! Thwunk! The sound of the paddle hitting a pickleball is indeed an acquired taste. However, in Northampton, an extensive site study was conducted, and Ellerbrook was chosen to ensure the neighborhood wouldn’t be impacted by noise. (Someone raking or weeding at the Community Garden plots might hear a faint plenk now and then.)

The six courts in Northampton will be public, open to all people, all ages, all abilities. With the help of a CPA grant, All Out Adventures recently purchased wheelchairs designed for pickleball play. It seems only fitting that with the help of a different CPA grant, Friends of Northampton Pickleball is raising money to build fully accessible courts. In addition, our project will contribute restrooms, water, benches and shade that will benefit all who use Ellerbrook for team practices and recreation.

We are halfway to our goal of raising $100,000, and with additional financial support, we can secure a permanent pickleball home in Northampton. The local pickleball community (600-plus) continues to grow, bringing together multiple generations from all walks of life. A recent contributor to our campaign said her donation was “in appreciation for the joy and friendship pickleball is bringing me.”

Supporting joy and community is a sure bet. If you are a local business owner, we would love to talk with you about becoming a corporate sponsor. If you haven’t given pickleball a try, join one of FNP’s open play sessions at Look Park this summer. (For more info, see www.pickleballnorthampton.org or our Facebook page.)

Tax-deductible donations accepted online at givebutter.com/DxAPjf, or mail a check to Friends of Northampton Pickleball, P.O. Box 60230 Florence, MA 01062.

We can’t wait to see you on the courts!

Jennifer Bryan is president of Friends of Northampton Pickleball and lives in Leeds.