Ashland Nature Center provides trails, learning experiences year round
The Ashland Nature Center in Hockessin provides a bevy of trails and learning experiences to Delawareans year round. 5/1/25
Delaware’s pickleball craze is not slowing down anytime soon.
Pickleball facilities make up some of the largest lot sizes in the state’s shopping centers, with at least three openings coming in this year alone.
The next major pickleball facility is expected to open at The Grove in Newark by the end of the summer, expanding its nationwide reach to Delaware for the first time.
Here are the details.
The Picklr, a nationwide chain of pickleball facilities, plans to open a facility at The Grove at the end of this summer.
It was first reported in summer 2024 that The Picklr would take over half of the former Kmart, with the original targeted opening date in May.
While some construction setbacks delayed the project’s opening, representatives working on the Newark opening confirmed recently that they are looking toward an opening between late August and early September.
The Picklr will take over 50,000 square feet of space in the former Kmart space, connected to the incoming Newark location of Lefty’s Alley and Eats.
According to Joshua Cline with The Picklr, the space will house 12 championship-sized courts. Ball machines are also available for interested players.
The interior of Newark’s Picklr location will be similar to the chain’s other 80-plus locations. Walls are black to help players keep track of balls, and play and sound baffling is installed so the racket of the racquets don’t distract other players.
The Newark location will be equipped with a fully-stocked pro shop open to members and non-members to purchase pickleball gear. Food and drink options also will be available.
A system will be in place for players looking to improve skills. It uses artificial intelligence to track users’ technique. Customers who opt-in can download a mobile app for immediate coaching feedback on drills and matches. Access to the technology will cost between $29 to $39 per month, according to Cline.
Warm up and cool down areas will be provided, featuring injury-prevention tools like foam rollers, mats for stretching and other warm-up equipment.
A community room can be rented for private events.
Tiered memberships will be made available. Among the options are unlimited memberships, which include access to any of The Picklr’s locations around the country, free court reservations, unlimited play in competitive and club tournaments, as well as monthly guest passes and clinic passes.
Rates are not finalized for the Newark location’s monthly membership options, according to Cline.
The first members to sign up for a membership will receive a Founder Membership, which locks in a lifetime discounted monthly rate. Sign-ups are available online now to be notified of when Founder Memberships are up for sale.
Drop-in fees for non-members are $30, which allows for a full day of use at the location. Non-members also can play in competitive tournaments or other events for a $30 registration fee.
Expect events and programming when The Picklr opens. Cline said locations usually host three tournaments per month, including competitive events and more casual games and challenges.
The Picklr’s hours will be from 6 a.m. until 11 p.m. every day.
The Picklr is just one of many pickleball facility openings and investments being made in Delaware. Most recently Dill Dinkers opened its doors in Newport in April and Bounce Pickleball opened its eight-court facility in Wilmington at 510 Justison St. on Feb. 1.
The Grove in Newark continues to add more retail options in attempt to become the next premier shopping and recreational destination in the city.
Lefty’s Alley and Eats is taking over the other half of the former Kmart, occupying 41,000 square feet of space that will be filled with 20 bowling lanes, ax throwing, TopGolf simulators, darts, a pub and a stage for live music.
According to Lefty’s website, the Newark location is estimated to open in early 2026, rather than this fall as originally planned.
The 1950s-style diner Nifty Fifty announced it would occupy the former KFC next to the Wawa on site at The Grove. The chain specializes in burgers, sandwiches and milkshakes and boasts over 100 soda flavors.
Administrators for the location’s social media pages have stated that the Newark location is looking to open “this summer.”
The Grove’s Coldstone Creamery, located next to the First Watch and Starbucks, is open.
Molly McVety covers community and environmental issues around Delaware. Contact her at mmcvety@delawareonline.com. Follow her on Twitter @mollymcvety.
Early in their first season at the FBS (Football Bowl Subdivision) level, the Delaware Blue Hens will face quite the challenge when they visit Folsom Field for a Week 2 matchup against coach Deion Sanders and the Colorado Buffaloes.
The Sept. 6 matchup will mark Delaware’s first-ever trip to Boulder and its second-ever game as an FBS program in the new-look Conference USA. Delaware had long been a top FCS (Football Championship Subdivision) program, highlighted by a national championship in 2003.
Get to know the Blue Hens ahead of their upcoming battle against the Buffs:
In coach Ryan Carty’s third season at the helm, Delaware finished 9-2 (6-2 Coastal Athletic Association) but was ineligible for the FCS playoffs due to its upcoming move to the FBS. Six of Delaware’s nine wins were by multiple scores while its two losses came at the hands of then-No. 18 Richmond and then-No. 15 Villanova.
Numbers-wise, Delaware was 11th nationally in total offense (434.9 yards per game) and 21st in total defense (319.6 yards per game). Quarterbacks Zach Marker, Ryan O’Connor and Nick Minicucci split time under center, with each throwing for over 800 yards and at least eight touchdowns. Running back Marcus Yarns rushed for 844 yards, wide receiver Phil Lutz had 857 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns, and linebacker Gavin Moul finished with a team-high 70 tackles and two interceptions.
O’Connor (retired), Yarns (New Orleans Saints undrafted free agent) and Lutz (graduated) are no longer with the Blue Hens.
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The aforementioned Marker and Minicucci are battling for Delaware’s starting quarterback job, although offensive coordinator Terence Archer could utilize a dual system. Delaware’s biggest returning offensive playmakers include running back Jo’Nathan Silver (462 rushing yards in 2024), wide receiver Jake Thaw (334 receiving yards) and former Buffs tight end Caleb Fauria (134 receiving yards)
Based on last year’s numbers, the Blue Hens have a fairly balanced offensive attack, racking up 181.4 rushing yards and 253.5 passing yards pergame.
Moul, an All-CAA honorable mention player last year, is joined by a slew of other returning defensive starters. Linebacker Dillon Trainer (43 total tackles in 2024), safety KT Seay (four interceptions) and Kentucky transfer EDGE Noah Matthews are other big names to know.
Delaware allowed 107 rushing yards and 212.6 passing yards per game last season.
“The biggest step up going to FBS that’s most important is the physicality, especially on defense,” defensive lineman Jack Hall said in the spring, per Delaware Online. “I think we did a really good job of showcasing that throughout the spring and developing that and really setting the tone. Even the offense, once we started kicking the O-line in the mouth a little bit, they started really fighting back and we started having some battles in there.”
Thousands of residents in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and Newark, Delaware, are without power due to outages reported by PECO Energy Company (PECO). See outage map here.
A notification on PECO’s website stated: “Strong high winds and rain have passed through our service area. Do not touch or move downed wires and consider all downed wires as energized and dangerous. Due to increased outage reports, you may experience some delays in obtaining information. To report an outage, call 1-800-841-4141 or contact us through the PECO mobile app.”
According to PECO’s latest data, the hardest-hit areas in Pennsylvania include:
Delaware County – 72,1555 outages
Bucks County – 71,893 outages
Montgomery County – 70,422 outages
Chester County – 40,786 outages
Philadelphia County – 20,791 outages
York County – 218 outages
Prior to the outages, PECO issued a warning: “Severe storms are forecasted to bring heavy rain and strong winds to PECO service territories, lasting until 9pm. Prepare for potential downed trees and power lines.”
Several parts of Pennsylvania, including Philadelphia, experienced steamy and stormy conditions Thursday evening as powerful storms swept through the region.
In Blue Bell, a tree fell onto a car with a family inside. Fortunately, no injuries were reported.
In Chester County, the storm also triggered a house fire on Westbourne Road in Westtown Township. Officials said no one was injured and believe the home was unoccupied at the time. While the fire appears to be weather-related, the exact cause remains under investigation.
Also Read: Severe thunderstorm watch issued for New York and New Jersey: Brooklyn, Bronx, Manhattan under weather alert
Earlier in the evening, the National Weather Service issued a tornado warning around 5 p.m. for Chester, Delaware, and New Castle counties. The warning remained in effect for approximately 30 minutes as strong winds and heavy rain moved through the area.
Wednesday was a big day for folks who love the Delaware River.
Officials with Pennsylvania’s Department of Conservation and National Resources have named the Delaware the river of the year for 2025.
The announcement was made at a community festival in Monroe County.
It’s in conjunction with the 30th annual Delaware River Sojourn. The sojourn runs through this Friday.
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