Pickleball courts dedicated

Winter weather and a worldwide pandemic might have delayed the dedication, but nothing could stop it from finally happening at the pickleball courts just west of Jorgensen Plaza along Hyacinth Drive.  

A ceremony to honor the donor family was held July 8, attended by many of the pickleball enthusiasts who are grateful for a place to play on campus.  A memorial plaque was installed afterward.  

“The pickleball courts are a wonderful community amenity brought to life by a vision and gift from a special family,” said Chief Operating Officer Jerry Harris. “John, Janet and Steve Hornstein loved people and bringing them together. That will be accomplished daily in this wonderful space.”  

Janet died at Martin Suites in 2012 after 62 years of marriage to John, who lived in a villa until his death in 2014. Janet and John enjoyed an active lifestyle, walking daily and vacationing often; John especially relished a good game of golf or tennis. 

Their son Steve died unexpectedly after surgery in 2015 at the age of 63; the longtime deputy city clerk for the city of Cedar Falls loved athletic competitions and likely would have been a familiar figure on the courts.  

Surviving son Scott Hornstein and his wife, Joyce, drove from their central Iowa home in Huxley to attend. The family had designated memorials to Western Home Foundation when Janet, John and Steve died; further discussions with Harris and the late Director of Development, Mary Taylor, led to a gift for pickleball.  

The courts were finished in fall 2019 and a change in the weather made a dedication ceremony difficult at that time, then the pandemic hit in early 2020. 

Western Home Communities thanks the Hornsteins for their generosity that helps fulfill the mission to assertively create fulfilling lifestyles.  

Residents who haven’t tried pickleball yet are welcome to stop by any Monday, Wednesday or Friday morning to join the fun.