Pickleball C

 

Do you want to play a fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong? If you answered yes .. the game of pickleball might be just what you are looking for. Pickleball can be played as doubles or singles.

Lochmere offers 6 courts at the Highlands facility located at 200 Loch Highlands Drive. These courts are marked for pickleball and are for use by Lochmere residents only.  They must be reserved using the Court Scheduler on Lochmere’s website .. Just click HERE (you must be signed in to your account).  

  • Please remember to designate that you are reserving the courts for pickleball. 
  • Please remember to close umbrellas and place all trash in the receptacles before exiting courts.
  • Cancellations can be made up to the time of your reservation.  If your plans change, please cancel your reservation.  This will allow other residents to enjoy the courts

Rules for court usage are posted at the courts. All players should abide by the rules. Please remember:

  • Pets are not permitted on the courts.
  • No alcoholic beverages, food, or glass are permitted on the courts or inside the tennis gate.
  • Smoking and vaping is not permitted on the property.
  • Proper tennis attire is required. Shoes that mark the courts are not allowed. No sports bras are allowed without a cover-up. Shirts must be worn at all times.
  • Only Lochmere Association approved tennis pros may provide tennis and pickleball instruction.  Instruction is provided by appointment only.  No guest instructors are allowed. 

    Lochmere-certified instructors are as follows:

    • Michel Haddad, Director of Tennis,  Head Tennis Professional  USPTA certified
    • Pam Gilbert, Pickleball Instructor (Part Time)

 

 

Since it is known to be easier on the joints than tennis, pickleball is very popular with older players. However, whether it is at a fast pace of competition or a slower pace for beginners and older players, it is a game that can be fun for any age: young, old or in-between.

When playing pickleball, each player needs a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle. Players will also need to bring their own pickleballs. The ball is unique, with holes through it like a whiffle ball.  For more information about pickleball, please visit the USA Pickleball website HERE.

 

PICKLEBALL ETIQUETTE

Pickleball continues to be the fastest growing sport in the USA. In Lochmere, we are no exception. We have clinics, lessons, Open Play and a great outdoor facility comprised of 6 courts at the Highlands Club. Many of our residents have learned the sport over the last few years and regularly play multiple days/week.

Pickleball can be played as singles; however, the vast majority of recreation play is doubles. That means up to 24 people can be playing at the same time in Lochmere.

Pickleball combines athletic play with a social atmosphere. Witnessing that comradery is addictive and leads many to set up their own playing groups. An important aspect to any group sport is understanding and following proper etiquette. Here are some expectations for proper etiquette at the Lochmere Highlands courts:

  1. Know the rules for recreation play, including scoring, line calls, foot faults, etc. so that arguments are not an issue. If you do not know the rule, ask a different group of players as most are more than happy to help.
  2. Please, no pets, skateboards, roller blades, chairs, etc. on the courts. This may impact other players or mar the painted playing surface.
  3. Lochmere has a reservation application which allows any resident to reserve up to two sessions of 30-90 minutes each day. The earliest start time is 8:00 am and continues until 10:00 pm. Please do not play outside of these timeframes as we have neighbors close to the courts and this may cause unwanted noise.
  4. Lights are available for evening play. If you want them on, just turn on the breaker (they also have a timer that Lochmere controls so they are not on during the day). Good etiquette is to turn them off when all courts are unused. Note that they do require a warm-up period so don’t turn them off when others are still playing!
  5. If you reserve a session, you need to be there at the courts as the Lochmere Host. Others outside of Lochmere may join your play, however, you are the host.
  6. If you reserve a session but issues arise that you cannot play, please cancel the session in the Lochmere reservation application so that it becomes available for others. It is very frustrating for reservations to be full and then finding court(s) unoccupied.
  7. Lochmere Open Play is available 3 sessions/week and is limited to Lochmere residents only. Paddle boards with slots are located on the outside of the court fencing and the next game is played by the 4 who place their paddles in the next available slot. There is no “saving” slots and you must leave the court after playing a game to ensure those waiting get the next opportunity. Make sure to place your paddle into the paddle board if you want another game.
  8. Pickleball is fun. Please keep this at the top of your experience and come out and play!

All questions, concerns, or ideas, should be directed to Lochmere’s Director Of Tennis & Pickleball, Michel Haddad, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

ADULT FALL PICKLEBALL OPEN PLAY

 

Are you looking to meet new players or showcase how much you have learned? If so, why not mark your calendar for Open Play Pickleball.

Lochmere is proud to announce Open Play Pickleball at the Highlands courts for Lochmere residents

  • Sunday afternoons from 1:00 to 2:30 PM
  • Wednesday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM
  • Thursday evenings from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM.  

All levels are welcome to play!  There is no need to register; just grab your equipment and show up at the Highlands courts.  OPEN PLAY IS LIMITED TO LOCHMERE RESIDENTS ONLY .. NO GUESTS ARE ALLOWED.

All questions should be directed to Lochmere’s Tennis Director, Michel Haddad, at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

 

ADULT FALL PICKLEBALL SOCIAL

Join Michel and your friends for Lochmere's Fall Pickleball Social at the Highlands courts (200 Loch Highlands Drive) on Friday, October 10, from 6:00-8:00 PM.  The schedule which we will follow is:

  • 6:00-7:30 PM -- Play
  • 7:30-8:00 PM -- Social & Food

This event is for Lochmere residents only. Spouses must each register separatey.  There is a cap of 40 players.   Please RSVP  HERE by Wednesday, October 8.

Don't miss the fun of playing with other Lochmere pickleball enthusiasts as well as enjoying some really good food. 

Don't delay -- sign up today.

All questions should be referred to Michel Haddad at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

 

 

yoga_instr

 Yoga is about tuning into your body and breath, listening with awareness to what your body needs.  Classes will typically start with a short breathing and meditation practice, and end with relaxation and restorative stretches.  Classes build upon standing poses and some vinyasa flow to build strength, flexibility and balance.

Classes are appropriate for all levels of yoga experience and fitness level.  Instructors will guide you through each posture and offer modification of poses that may be more challenging than others. 

Lochmere offers community yoga twice each week at the following times: 

  • Evening classes on Mondays from 5:30-6:30 PM
  • Morning classes on Wednesdays from 9:30-10:30 AM 

All classes are held in the Highlands Clubhouse located at 200 Loch Highlands Drive.  Classes are complimentary for Lochmere residents 18 and over.  No guests are allowed.  Please bring your own mats.

Please take a few minutes to meet our instructors.  Combined they have been teaching yoga for almost 50 years.  Lochmere is very fortunate to have these three ladies guiding us to open our bodies, calm our minds,  and find inner peace in today's fast-paced world.

Bonnye Hur

Bonnye has been a student of yoga for over twenty five years and a teacher for the last nine.

She loves the holistic nature of the practice and has always been drawn to practice through inquiry and discovery of how yoga opens us up to our own bodies, minds, and spirits. Each of Bonnye's unique alignment-based classes includes centering and pranayama (breath), warm-up, an exploration through a series of related poses and savasana.

Bonnye likes to tie each practice together with a theme such as Variations on Sun Salutations, Lower Back Love, and Yoga for Osteoporosis. Some classes include vinyasa (flows) and many incorporate the use of Iyengar-styled props (supplied) to deepen each student's experience.

Classes are adaptive for all levels and Bonnye encourages and appreciates all feedback.

Dori McDarris

Dori has been practicing yoga for more than 20 years. She became a certified yoga instructor in 2014 and has been teaching yoga since.

She truly believes that yoga is for everyone. As she teaches her classes, she encourages her students to be present in the moment. She reminds them that the focus of yoga is not how a pose looks, but rather the connection between breath, mind and body that is important.

She teaches a vinyasa style yoga class. Her classes typically include a fifteen minute integration segment, a thirty minute segment of moving through standing poses, and a fifteen minute segment of stretching and rest.

Her goal for every class is to touch people in a positive way, to calm their minds and open their hearts.

 Olya Clark

Olya Clark, a seasoned yoga teacher with over 15 years of experience in guiding students toward holistic health and wellness. With a 500 E-RYT certification and a background as a holistic health coach, Olya is dedicated to empowering individuals to tap into their innate potential for healing and transformation.

Driven by the belief that stress lies at the root of many modern ailments, Olya specializes in mind-body healing practices that address the underlying causes of disease. Through the integration of yoga, meditation, and breathwork, Olya helps students cultivate resilience, balance, and inner peace in the face of life's challenges.

As an advocate for the healing power of aromatherapy, Olya incorporates essential oils into her classes to enhance relaxation, promote emotional well-being, and deepen the mind-body connection. She believes that the synergy between yoga and aromatherapy offers a potent path to holistic healing and self-discovery.

At the heart of Olya's teachings is the belief that a healthy lifestyle is essential for thriving in today's fast-paced world. She encourages her students to prioritize self-care, nourish their bodies with wholesome foods, and cultivate mindful habits that promote vitality and longevity.

Whether guiding students through a dynamic vinyasa flow, she leads a restorative yoga practice. Olya is committed to empowering individuals to awaken their full potential and live lives of radiant health, joy, and purpose. 

Join Olya on the mat and embark on a journey toward holistic well-being and transformation.

 CLASS SCHEDULE

You must register HERE.  No walk-ins are allowed.

  The following is the instructor schedule through the end of December.

 

  • Monday, September 8 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, September 10 -- Olya Clark 
  • Monday, September 15 -- Dori McDarris 
  • Wednesday, September 17 -- Bonny Hur 
  • Monday, September 22 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, September 24 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, September 29 -- Dori McDarris 
  • Wednesday, October 1 -- Bonnye Hur
  •  Monday, October 6 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, October 8 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, October 13 -- Dori McDarris 
  • Wednesday, October 15 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, October 20 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, October 22 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, October 27 -- Dori McDarris
  • Wednesday, October 29 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, November 3 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, Novembe 5 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, November 10 -- Dori McDarris
  • Wednesday, November 12 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, November 17 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, November 19 -- Boyyne Hur 
  • Monday, November 24 -- Dori McDarris 
  • Wednesday, November 25 -- NO CLASS -- HAPPY THANKSGIVING 
  • Monday, December 1 -- Oly Clark 
  • Wednesday, Decembe 3 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, December 8 -- Dori McDarris 
  • Wednesday, December 10 -- Bonnye Hur 
  • Monday, December 15 -- Olya Clark 
  • Wednesday, December 17-- Bonnye Hur
  • No Class December 22 Through Decembe 31.  See you on January 5!

PICKLEBALL AT LOCHMERE

Pickleball is a crazy name for a fun game that has been around since 1965 that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played with a pickleball, a polymer smaller version of a wiffle ball, and a hard paddle. According to the United States of America Pickleball Association (USPA) there are over 100,000 active pickleball players in the U.S.


The ball is served underhand from behind the baseline, diagonally to the opponent’s service zone. Points are scored by the serving side only and occur when the opponent zone before playing a volley. The first side scoring 11 points and leading by at least two points wins. The return of service must be allowed to bounce by the server stay at the baseline until the first return has been hit back and bounced once.

Due to popular demand, the tennis courts at Loch Highlands will now be available for you to play pickleball. All you have to do is follow the same reservation process as tennis.

For additional information on the game, go to the USA Pickleball Association website.

 

 

Gail Lewis Program Manager 919.233.7640 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.
Michel Haddad Tennis Pro 919.859.2408 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

 

 

 

Highlands Clubhouse Front Photo 1

Highlands

Clubhouse & Pool

200 Loch Highlands Drive, Cary, NC 27518

Map

 

Click HERE for the Clubhouse Availablity Calendar

 

 (Please note that this calendar is not updated in real time.  Please call 919-233-7640 for availability on exact dates)

 

The Clubhouse is available for rental by Lochmere residents, and is to be used for social activities only.

No business activities are allowed on the premises.

The clubhouse maximum occupancy is limited to eighty (80) persons.  The rental time is from 12:00 Noon until 12:00 midnight the day of the function.

Click on Pictures to Enlarge

 

highlands kitchen

 

It has a fully functional kitchen with a refrigerator/freezer, stove/oven, microwave,  and garbage disposal. 

 

highlands clubhouse indie

There is plenty of room to set up table and chairs.

 

highlands main room

 

There is also a serving bar with sink. 

 

clubhouse pool and deck -- photo 2

The clubhouse has a deck that overlooks the pool and lake that is available for use with the rental. 

There are restroom facilities for both men and women. 

Tables and chairs are provided as part of the rental agreement as follows:

  • 69 padded folding chairs.
  • 5 rectangular tables (6 ft. X 2 ft.)
  • 5 round tables (48 inches in diameter)

Additional chairs, tables, and any  linens are the responsibility of the renter.

 

The clubhouse may be rented by a resident (in good standing) for $150 per day (12 Noon to 12 Midnight). 

If a Clubhouse renter desires to use the pool also, the rental fee and pool admittance is $225 per day.  Clubhouse rental permits entry to the pool area at Highlands.  Admittance to the pool as part of the clubhouse rental is not an exclusive-use rental.  All homeowners may still use the pool facility.  This simply allows your guests to use the pool as well.  Pool access is only available from 4:00 PM until the pool closes at the regularly scheduled time.  Access to the pool is limited to no more than 25 non-residents.  A list of names must be provided along with the Reservation Form. 

For more information on rentals, please call the Lochmere Main Office, 919-233-7640.

The Lochwood Upper Deck is also available for rental to residents only.

Highlands Clubhouse Rental Agreement

Highlands Clubhouse Alcohol Usage Waiver

Highlands Clubhouse & Pool Admittance Rental Agreement Form