Kate Van Druff, a player and parent of a player in our ball hockey community, found out New Hanover has recently been discussing a pickle ball conversion to the hockey rink in the park. There will be a vote at the board meeting this Wednesday, November 1st at 6:30 PM at 2943 North Charlotte Street, Gilbertsville, PA 19525.

Kate has lived in Gilbertsville and has been using the hockey rink since 2007. We regularly host pick up games there in the tournament off-season for the kids in our local hockey program. Kate even started a Facebook group to organize weekly pick up hockey games here. This offers a no-risk setting for busy parents and newcomers who are not ready for organized league play. There are also many children who use this rink. Residents come primarily from Boyertown, Pottstown, Gilbertsville, Limerick, and the surrounding areas. Many, but not all, play for local ice, roller, and ball hockey leagues like PAL, Jesters and Boyertown. If this initiative is passed, many players will have to drive over half an hour (over an hour, for other players) to the nearest ball hockey rink. This community resource is so valuable in getting kids and adults active.

Last year, our Jesters Ball Hockey youth program saw a 75% drop in participation in practices when our rink in Phoenixville closed and we were forced to move to a rink in Reading, about 45 minutes away. This rink has been an invaluable asset to keep our kids playing.

According to pickleheads.com, there are an estimated 15 pickleball courts within a 20-minute drive of New Hanover Park, the closest one being Boyertown Community Park, just 10 minutes away (offering 3 courts.) There are only 3 other hockey rinks within a 45 minute drive from the same park, and 2 out of the 3 do not offer pick up hockey. The nearest hockey rink in Pottstown charges over $100 per season, with no youth or coed options. There are over 22 ball hockey complexes in southern New Jersey, which shows how underrepresented our sport is in our area. Taking away this rink will severely undercut our efforts in keeping organized youth hockey alive.

Jason Kelly, board member of Ridley Hockey League, has advised that the construction of a new asphalt hockey rink would cost an estimated $300,000-$400,000. At this cost, the repurposing of this rink will prevent us from playing hockey, period. A quick Amazon search shows pickleball can be set up in any level asphalt space for under $300 (this includes nets, line markers, and paddles/balls.)

We urge New Hanover Township to consider an alternative solution to repurposing our beloved hockey rink.