Did you know that one of the past mayors of Grandville enjoyed playing horseshoes so much that he converted all the tennis courts at Wedgwood Park into horseshoe pits?
He started by cutting little holes in the cement and inserting stakes in them. It was that simple! Then he gleefully opened all the courts to the citizens of our fine city. It was a hit!
New courts were eventually constructed to meet the National Horseshoe Association standards and were dedicated on July 5, 1993. With this new space and all the interested players, Grandville Horseshoe Club truly thrived!
Our Grandville Horseshoe Club is still playing on those courts today, with match play beginning around the first week of May and continuing through August. The league holds three tournaments throughout the season, beginning halfway through the season and ending in a final tournament at the end of the season. Additionally, these members are invited to participate in the tournament held during the Ottawa County Fair in Holland.
It is definitely a dedicated club that has even sponsored tournaments (two separate years) as part of the Meijer Games which were open to anyone interested in competing.
Here are some fun facts about GHC:
1. They have achieved Michigan State Champions for single play in 1995, 1997, 1998, 2001, 2003, 2004, 2005, and 2006.
2. They have been named World Champions in 1993, 1995, 2000, 2001, and 2003.
3. They have received Michigan State Champions in Doubles play in 2003, and 2004.
As times have moved forward, the Grandville Horseshoe Club has graciously agreed to share some of their horseshoe pits with a new set of recreational sport fans: pickle ball players! Several of the pits will be converted into pickle ball courts in the next year. Through the help of the city, our local citizens, and the Grand Rapids Pickle Ball Association (along with the GHC’s blessings) we hope to see even more activity at Wedgwood park for 2023!
And don't worry! If you still want to join the Grandville Horseshoe Club, you are more than welcome to do so! New members are definitely welcome! Just come to Wedgwood Park across from Brookcrest Nursing Home on Thursday evenings from May through August from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm!
It’s sure to be a ringer!
Original source can be found here.
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