Elmhurst School Jumps On Latest Trend

ELMHURST, IL – An Elmhurst private school presented its latest expansion plans to a city committee Monday.

As it turned out, Timothy Christian Schools' proposal for two pickleball courts got the most attention. It also plans two new classrooms for the high school.

Pickleball is defined as "a game resembling tennis in which players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball over a net." It has gained much popularity in the last few years.

Timothy's courts would be just east of the tennis courts.

"What led to the decision to put in pickleball courts?" Alderwoman Dannee Polomsky asked. "It seems so quick – in a good way. It's so responsive to what people are interested in."

The Timothy Christian Schools campus is southeast of Butterfield Road and Prospect Avenue. (David Giuliani/Patch)

The school's lawyer, Paul Buikema, said pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States.

"We just wanted kids to be able to learn how to play. It's another great outdoor activity," Buikema said.

Alderwoman Emily Bastedo said she was impressed with the proposal, noting the sport's popularity was soaring.

Alderman Mark Mulliner also praised the plan. He said the school's most recent project looks good.

"I know this one will as well," he said.

The school aims to finish the classrooms and pickleball courts by the fall of next year.

In the spring, the City Council gave the green light for the school to add a concession area, expand the track and soccer field, construct a new grandstand and rebuild the tennis courts.

The school's campus is southeast of Butterfield Road and Prospect Avenue.