NEWS

Mt. Lebanon PTA showcases its new two-story hut, a welcoming home for its flourishing membership.

Facts

Original Facility  Robert and Barbara Gavett approached the municipality in the 1970s and advocated for building two paddle tennis courts. The original hut was built in 1995, fit about 10 people, and did not have running water.

Moving Forward  The MLPTA came up with a plan, fundraising and working with the municipality over the past 20 years to add two more courts, upgrade the facility, and build a new two-story hut.

Inside  Completed in 2023, the hut has two floors with ample seating—all the tables were donated, a full kitchen, a large-screen TV, and two handicap-accessible bathrooms.

Viewing  Windows on both floors overlook two courts. Two courts behind the hut can be seen on closed-circuit TV. A very large deck with more seating provides open-air viewing.

Player Numbers  The league teams are at their mathematical limit.

Rewards

1.          Nate Herring said, “Nothing like playing a long match and then coming up and watching your teammates play down below.”

2           It is located in a public park, which helped generate interest in paddle. The MLPTA welcomes township residents as well as players in surrounding communities.

3           Don Gavett said, “For me, staying involved and making sure that the paddle facility is well maintained—it goes back to the legacy that my parents built.”

Commentators  Don Gavett, MLPTA President, Nate Herring, MLPTA Treasurer, Gina Decola, MLPTA Secretary, Kate Kovalan, MLPTA Women’s President