In The News

In A Pickle In Albany (Nov 11, 2009 Albany, OR, www.democratherald.com) Bruce Edwards wants to promote new exercise and recreation opportunities for Albany. Bob VanderLinden is an ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association. . . “It’s a very, very fun sport, very easy on the body,” said Edwards, recreation and sports coordinator for Albany Parks and Recreation. “It’s a game that really lends itself to all age brackets, genders and ability levels.”

Pickleball A Racket Game All Can Enjoy (Nov 8, 2009 St. Charles IL, www.dailyherald.com) Cris Anderson of St. Charles is surely the most excited about this game being offered at the Pottawatomie Community Center. ... She convinced some park district officials to try it, and they were quickly hooked. So the game will be offered on a "walk-in" basis starting Jan. 1 for those 18 and older from 2:30 to 3:55 p.m. Monday, Wednesday and Friday at the community center gym.

Y Aims To Get People Over 50 Into The Fitness Habit (Oct 30, 2009 Muscatine, IA, www.muscatinejournal.com) You’re never too old to get in shape. That was the theme Thursday at the Muscatine Community Y’s Fit After 50 Wellness Fair. The free event allowed participants 50 and over to try classes and games and was designed to promote healthy lifestyle options. Melanie Steckel, health promotions services director at the Y, introduced the game of Pickleball at the fair and hopes the community takes interest so that the Y can start a Pickleball league.

The Villages Is Pickleball Paradise (Oct 30, 2009 The Villages, FL, www.thevillagesfloridabook.com) The Villages, boasting more than 100 pickleball courts, has been called the Mecca of Pickleball and was named the #1 Place to Live for Pickleball by Masters Athlete Magazine. Leagues, tournament and recreational players of all skill levels occupy the community’s courts year-round. (includes video)

The Game With An Unusual Name (Oct 18, 2009 Russellville, AR, www.couriernews.com) After Russellville residents Debra and Isaac Patty played the game two years ago in Florida, it didn’t take long for the pickleball addiction to spread in the Russellville community. More and more people are playing at Saint Mary’s Wellness and Fitness Center, Russellville City Park, Shiloh Park and the Hughes Community Center, among other locations.

Pickleball Provides Fun For All Players (Oct 14, 2009 St. George, UT, www.thespectrum.com) ST. GEORGE - After a practice round Tuesday afternoon at Sun River, Mike Phipps walked over to a stranger and made some observations about the sport he's playing at the Huntsman World Senior Games. . . Pickleball, which may accurately described as a tennis-ping pong, hybrid, then, is the sport of choice for many senior citizens. Phipps said pickleball is the largest growing sport among the over-50 crowd.

Lakewood Racquet Club Launches First Ever Pickleball Court (Oct 8, 2009 Lakewood, WA, www.thesubtimes.com) “We can now add Pickleball to our long list of membership benefits,” said Greg Smith, Lakewood Racquet Club tennis pro. “It is easy for beginners to learn, but the game can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. We are so grateful to Max Thomas.” Longtime LRC member Dr. Max Thomas provided a generous donation to the club from his estate.

Pickleball A 'big Dill' In Port Perry, Says Promoter (Oct 7, 2009 Port Perry, ON, newsdurhamregion.com) Pickleball is on the rise in Scugog, thanks in part to promoter Wayne Roswell who recently introduced the sport to Port Perry's seniors. Mr. Roswell introduced the game of pickleball to the Port Perry Senior Club on Sept. 24, where the group was first told the general rules of the game. Then they had the opportunity to participate in a few rounds, learning some pickleball lingo along the way.

Pickleball Has Come To Westminster (Oct 5, 2009 Westminster, MD, www.carrollcountytimes.com/) “A couple from Westminster found me on the Web as the ambassador to Carroll County,” Zablotny said. That couple was Sandra and Brian Bowman. They began playing pickleball with Zablotny at Carroll Vista. “Sandra was a tennis player so she used those skills,” he said. One day Brian Bowman called Zablotny and asked if he would consider teaching pickleball at the Westminster senior center. Sandra Bowman said she likes the sport better than tennis. “I play tennis but I really like pickleball. It is truly a sport that is just for fun. You get exercise but at the same time you’re not afraid to talk during the game.”

National Senior Games Held In Atlantic South Region (Oct 5, 2009 Ft. Lauderdale, FL, south.usapa.org) The 2009 National Senior Games Championships and Euflexxa Classic took place from October 1st to 4th in Ft. Lauderdale, Fl. While other sporting venues were under way, the pickleball championship games were held at the C B Smith Park in Pembroke Pines, Fl . Players began arriving as early as Tuesday Sept. 29 to the sunshine state from across the country, including New York, New Jersey, Alabama, Louisiana, Tennessee, Texas, Arizona and a few more that I'm sure I've forgotten.

Pickleball Kicks Off Sr. Olympics (Sep 23, 2009 Topeka, KS, cjonline.com) This is the first year that the Kansas Senior Olympics has included the game of Pickleball, which is played on a badminton court with a tennis net three feet high. "It's so addicting," said Eldonna Frazier, 54, of Topeka. Frazier began playing three years ago through a friend -- a common answer for people when asked how they got started.

Holly Morris: Nova Senior Olympics (Sep 21, 2009 Arlington, VA, www.myfoxdc.com) Some say age is nothing but a number and some athletes in northern Virginia are living proof. You've got to be at least fifty years old to compete in the senior games! FOX 5’s Holly Morris visited the Thomas Jefferson Community Center and spoke with some of the super seniors. (Video)

Raising A Real Racket (Sep 17, 2009 South Surrey, BC, www.bclocalnews.com) More than 80 seniors made a racket at the South Surrey Recreation Centre last Saturday, at the third annual over-50 Pickleball Tournament. Competing in two age divisions (50-64 and 65-plus), pickleball players from across the Lower Mainland, as well as Washington, Vancouver Island, the Okanagan – even Saskatchewan – took to the rec centre's 10 courts.

Funny Name, Serious Fun (Sep 15, 2009 Bloomington, MN, www.startribune.com) Pickleball is the new game of choice for many seniors who've brought it back to Minnesota from the warmer climes where they winter. . . About 50 players, many of them seniors who picked up the game during winter visits to Arizona and Florida, belong to a loose network of pickleball addicts who float between courts in Bloomington, Edina, Eden Prairie and Lakeville for doubles games five days a week.

City Not Sour On Pickleball (Sep 12, 2009 Ottawa, ON, www.yourottawasouth.com) Pickleball is new to the Ottawa area, although it’s been a sport for 44 years. I was invited by the City of Ottawa to try the game as city staff were in training to learn how to play pickleball. Wayne Roswell, a member of Pickleball Ontario, was in Ottawa on Thursday, Sept. 3, to teach the game to city employees. He plays the sport because it’s a fun way to get some exercise.

Why Is Mumbai Playing A Game Named After A Dog In Washington? (Sep 8, 2009 Mumbai, India, www.mid-day.com) A modest indoor court tucked away somewhere at Elphinstone, is the venue for a new sport that's capturing the fancy of Mumbaikars. Morning workout sessions at the gym suddenly feel mundane when you drop in to watch a session of this new racquet and ball game that's been christened Pickleball, thanks to its hybrid nature.

Older Adults Loving Pickleball, A Game That's Easy On Joints (Sep 5, 2009 Oak Park, MI, www.freep.com) Inside the air-conditioned Oak Park Recreation Center on a hot summer day, Angela Dawson swung at the white whiffle ball zooming toward her. . . The 56-year-old retiree was playing pickleball. A hybrid of several well-known sports, it's quickly become one of the most popular activities in the region for older adults -- slower-paced than tennis, yet exciting enough to play singles or doubles with one's grandchildren.

Pickleball Craze Hits Muskoka (Sep 3, 2009 Muskoka, ON, www.muskokasun.com) Pickleball, which first started in the United States in 1965, is a sport that has, over the last year, been increasingly popular among Canadians of all ages, and is currently one of the fastest growing sports in North America. The sport has been gaining so much attention that an official national association, Pickleball Canada, was launched in Kelowna, B.C. this past April. Pickleball is also gaining headway as a competitive sport in many seniors’ Olympics.

Pickleball Expands Its Reach (Aug 31, 2009 South Surrey, BC, www.bclocalnews.com) Not only has pickleball grown amongst Peninsula seniors as a healthful and entertaining activity, it has also caught the attention of families looking for a sport all ages can enjoy. That's according to Chuck Lefaive, president of the local pickleball association, who said many of the 800 people who play at South Surrey Recreation Centre are families.

Increase Program Participation With Pickleball (Aug 26, 2009 By Barbara Wintroub, ) Active-aging professionals are always looking for ways to increase both the physical activity levels of their members or residents and the amount of people who participate in their programs. Pickleball, “the fastest-growing sport in North America,” is an activity that can help attract and retain participants. In fact, this sport for all ages is increasingly popular with older adults. [The above link is to a 323 KB PDF file provided by and published with the permission of the Journal of Active Aging http://www.icaa.cc ]

Pickleball Is A Crunchy New Sport (Aug 25, 2009 Lake (Cottonwood), CA, www.andersonvalleypost.com) Pickleball is the newest sport to hit South County, more specifically Lake California. It involves two to four players and uses half a tennis court, oversized ping-pong paddles, and a perforated plastic ball.

Pickleball Players Celebrate Court Opening (Aug 17, 2009 Traverse City, MI, www.record-eagle.com) One of the fastest growing sports in the country has a home in East Bay Township. Grace MacDonald Park celebrated the opening of three pickleball courts Sunday with a ribbon-cutting ceremony as well as exhibition games by some of the area's hottest players. The courts are the first dedicated ones in the region that are both public and free. Not to mention top-notch, say players who have been around.

LAUGHLIN’S 8th ANNUAL WINTER BREAK ADDS PICKLEBALL TO THE LIST OF ACTIVITIES (Aug 14, 2009 Laughlin, NV, ) Laughlin invites anyone interested in pickleball to attend the 8th Annual Winter Break, January 11-14, 2010 at the Aquarius Resort and Casino. All skill levels are welcome from beginners to experts. There will be drop-in play as well as lessons so mark these dates on your calendar now. The package price is $66 per person/double OR $112 per person/single and includes three nights accommodations at the Aquarius and all Winter Break activities, including Pickleball tournaments and lessons. Additional nights are available. Laughlin’s Winter Break is week-long festival that mirrors a typical spring break for kids, re-lived 30-50 years later.

Pickleball Comes To Cape Cod (Aug 13, 2009 Cape Cod, MA, www.barnstablepatriot.com) After years of explosive popularity in the upper northwestern and southern United States, Pickleball has begun to develop a New England following. Though most often played in gym classes, Cape Cod folks can take part in the sport in Sandwich and Marstons Mills, largely due to Pickleball Ambassador George Rice of Cotuit.

Pickleball Finds A Home In New Hope (Aug 12, 2009 New Hope, MN, www.mnsun.com) Ask and you shall receive. That's all Jane Olson did. And after asking the city of New Hope to look at the Hidden Valley Park tennis courts in a different perspective, the longtime city resident got what she was looking for. For the last six-plus weeks, one of the three courts at Hidden Valley has had a subtle difference to it, with yellow Pickleball lines painted inside the tennis boundaries.

Hunger For Pickleball Is Growing (Aug 10, 2009 Morton, IL, www.pjstar.com) Pickleball is popular in schools (including Morton's District 709) as a physical education activity and in retirement communities like The Villages in central Florida, where longtime Morton resident Ned Middendorf plays about five times a week when he's there during the winter months. "There are 98 courts in The Villages, and sometimes you have to wait to get on one," Middendorf said. For about two years, Middendorf and other Morton snowbirds gently lobbied Watson to get the Park District to put up a pickleball court.

Pickleball, Growing In Popularity, Combines Tennis, Racquetball And Other Sports (Aug 6, 2009 Ann Arbor, MI, www.annarbor.com) According USA Pickleball Association director Dick Manasseri, there has been a 400 percent increase in memberships in the state since last fall, giving Michigan the third highest pickleball numbers in the nation, only trailing retirement meccas Arizona and Florida. [with video]

Valley Seniors Bounce To New Type Of Mini-tennis (Aug 4, 2009 Fresno, CA, www.fresnobee.com) No wonder people do double takes when they first see what John Browning built in the backyard of his Fowler home. A 36-inch-high net bisects a pristine, green playing surface only 20 feet by 44 feet — the same size as a badminton court. Meet the growing sport of pickleball, a hybrid of ping pong, badminton and tennis that’s becoming a sensation among seniors in the United States. (includes video)

Pickleball Makes Show-Me State Games Debut (Aug 3, 2009 Columbia, MO, www.columbiamissourian.com) After watching the plastic balls whizzing back and forth last year at the Missouri State Senior Games, Ken Ash, executive director of the Show Me State Games, Dave Gill, the competition coordinator, and Russ Stott, the director of the senior state games, decided they had to include the sport in the Show-Me State Games and it made its debut over weekend. The pace of the game is fast, just like the game’s growth around the country.

Pickleball Takes Hold - Exciting Game With A Funny Name (Aug 3, 2009 Virginia, MN, www.virginiamn.com) It’s been called the age equalizer and North America’s fastest-growing sport and is played in schools, recreation centers, retirement communities, and even correctional facilities. It’s the exciting game with a funny name - Pickleball. The craze has made its way to the Iron Range. Nigro and his wife Joyce, who were introduced to Pickleball two winters ago in Hot Springs Village, Ark., have helped pioneer its emergence in the area. (Free registration is required, or login with Member ID: usapa and password pickleball)

Pickleball Proves A Popular Sport Among Seniors (Jul 26, 2009 Lakeland, FL, www.theledger.com) Pickleball is played in several communities in Polk County, including Deer Creek RV Golf Resort in Davenport, The Hamptons in Auburndale and Solivita in Poinciana. At Solivita, pickleball has grown so popular that it is the largest club sport there.

Pitching Pickleball - Royal Oak Seniors Play Fast-growing Game With Gusto (Jul 26, 2009 Royal Oak, MI, www.hometownlife.com) “It's fast-paced, and you're laughing. It's not like tennis where you're serious. You don't even know you're exercising, which is even better,” says 67-year-old Pat Sullivan, a retired Royal Oak resident who is given credit for introducing the fast-growing sport into the Royal Oak Parks and Recreation program. “It's a good addiction because you can find enjoyment so fast, and it's fun, so why not go out and have some fun.”

Pickleball, Latest Sport To Sweep The Nation, Is Served Up On Columbia Courts (Jul 26, 2009 Columbia, MO, www.columbiatribune.com) As evidence of pickleball’s popularity, Parks and Recreation workers double-striped the tennis courts at Albert-Oakland Park and Rock Quarry Park with pickleball markings. Additionally, there are indoor pickleball courts at New Haven Elementary School. New Haven Elementary and Rock Quarry Park will be the sites of the pickleball tournaments in the Show-Me State Games.

Pickleball Mania - Popular Game Creates Buzz In Belton (Jul 24, 2009 Belton, MO, www.thestar-herald.com) Belton’s High Blue Wellness Center began offering pickleball in June, offering free lessons. Now the group, which is nearly 15 strong, plays from 1 to 3 p.m. every Tuesday at the Wellness Center. The cost is $8 per month. “It seems to really be taking off,” said Jess Myers, Belton Parks recreation specialist. The department is always looking for more ways to get the community involved and keep everyone active.

Pickleball: There's A New Game In Town (Jul 21, 2009 Fraser, CO, www.skyhidailynews.com) Dick Chadwick brought the game to Grand County three summers ago. He lives part-time in Tabernash and spends the rest of the year in Arizona, where Pickleball is popular. According to Chadwick, pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in the country, especially popular in 55-and-over communities and RV resorts on the West Coast, Arizona and Florida. The Villages retirement community in Florida has 96 pickleball courts and features the sport prominently on its Web site. But looking at the turnout on Monday night, it's also a game for the young. More than 20 people where on the court Monday, of all ages - children to senior citizens. The one thing they all had in common - they were all laughing.

The 'new' Family Sport Of Pickleball Comes To Ruidoso (Jul 21, 2009 Ruidoso, NM, www.ruidosonews.com) Efforts were made for several years to bring the sport here and now Gary Beatty is about to see his dream come true. Beatty will be conducting pickleball clinics in the near future and has secured the necessary courts needed. And it's not as if he doesn't have the required experience. He has played tennis for more than 50 years and pickleball for more than 30 years. Beatty started playing the latter sport in 1978, and thought it was so much fun he started teaching it to his tennis students.

Pickleball Courts Fans Of Racket Sports (Jul 14, 2009 Terre Haute, IN, www.indystar.com) Lawler loves this. This is pickleball, his game. He's out here at Brittlebank Park in Terre Haute, the capital for Indiana pickleball, with his friends, converted racquetball and tennis players like Paul Barksdale, Mona Drake and Steve Ackman. Some come twice a day, 8 a.m. and 6 p.m., to play their new favorite sport. Tonight, like every Wednesday, they're playing mixed doubles and laughing with good company.

Playfield Rededicated With Pickleball Courts (Jul 13, 2009 Port Angeles, WA, www.peninsuladailynews.com) The playfield, at 14th and Cedar streets, was donated to the city of Port Angeles by the Elks in 1951 and was rededicated in celebration of the renovation of the park. Two tennis courts that were deteriorating were made into pickleball courts and were completed in mid-June, said Vern Reidel, trustee for the Elks Naval Lodge in Port Angeles. The Elks and the city split the $30,000 cost to do the renovation.

Pickleball Rediscovered By Lawrence Residents (Jul 12, 2009 Lawrence, KS, www.kansan.com) Amanda Turner, right, Overland Park senior, volleys while Jo Ellis, Recreation Programs Supervisor prepares for a counter-serve during a demonstration of the game Pickleball at Holcom Sports Complex Friday morning. Dick Walker, Kansas ambassador for the USA Pickleball Association, conducted the demonstration of the game, which involves a whiffleball and paddles with similar rules to tennis.

Take A Bite Out Of Pickleball (Jul 10, 2009 Rockford, IL, www.rrstar.com) Rockford resident Shalda Nelson is a snowbird...She hopes to have more people in the Rock River Valley playing the game with the help of the Rockford Park District. The Park District will conduct an open house for pickleball from 7 to 9 p.m. Friday, July 17, at the Guilford Tennis Center to draw interest for the game.

Pickleball Making Its Mark In Oakland (Jul 4, 2009 Oakland County, MI, theoaklandpress.com) To learn to play pickleball, instruction is available at 9:30 a.m. every Monday and Wednesday at the Auburn Hills Community Center. Call (248) 370-9353 for more information. The Michigan Senior Olympics will be played from 7:30 a.m. to noon and from 12:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Tuesday, July 7, and Wednesday, July 8, at the center.

Pickleball Catching On In Colorado Springs (Jun 29, 2009 Colorado Springs, CO, www.koaa.com) “People will come up to the wire and ask, what are you guys playing?” said Ramona Boone. “Tennis guys asked us that yesterday. You know, it's pickleball.” “We've had people that didn't want to play it because of the name and we get them out here, and they say, oh my gosh, I love this,” said Boone. “It's better than racquetball. It's better than tennis.”

In A Pickle And Having A Ball (Jun 27, 2009 Liberal-Richmond Hill, ON, www.theliberal.com) While it caters to a large segment of the senior-aged population, the younger generation has gained an appreciation of it. "I've seen kids play it who are 15 years old. And it's been catching on in colleges and high schools in the United States," he said. "Here in Canada, there's even leagues that have begun in Scarborough, Kitchener-Waterloo, Alberta and British Columbia. It's an easy game for beginners to learn. It's gaining momentum."

From ‘Pickles’ To The Game Of Pickleball (Jun 26, 2009 Saratoga, NY, www.saratogian.com) Seasonal players in Florida often return to their homes in various states where they enthusiastically teach others the game they have come to love. “Like Johnny Appleseed, they have been spreading the game to all parts of the country,” according to Master Athlete Magazine. Such is the case locally with Dick Decker who teaches adult education classes at the Milton Park on Rowland Street and Jack Beck who offers pickleball clinics at the East Side Recreation Field.

Pickleball’s Fun, But Stay Out Of The Kitchen (Jun 26, 2009 Middletown, OH, www.middletownjournal.com) “Oh, watch out! You need to stay out of the kitchen!” my partner, Linda Laymon shouted to me. I just looked back in confusion. It was hot outside, but I was nowhere near a kitchen. Laymon, a veteran Pickleball player from Surprise, Ariz., was enjoying some court time with me and more than 21 other Pickleball enthusiasts Friday, June 26, on the Stanley Volkens Courts at Lefferson Park.

Maureen Armstrong - Winner Of The First Mid-South Pickleball Pioneer Award (Jun 25, 2009 Victoria, TX, ) Maureen 'Mo' Armstrong first encountered pickleball while living in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma in 1992. She was so smitten by the sport that when she moved to Arkansas in 1993 she started a group of seniors playing the sport in Springdale, Arkansas. Northwest Arkansas had felt the first of Mo's strong urge to promote the sport.

Pickleball Tournament Attracts Fans And Players (Jun 25, 2009 Troy, OH, www.daytondailynews.com) The Troy Strawberry Festival’s first pickleball tournament brought fans and players to Duke Park on June 6. The event saw 86 players gather to compete in four divisions: men younger than 40, men 50 and older, mixed 50 and older, and women 50 and older.

The New Hybrid Sport: Pickleball Gaining A Rabid Following In GJ (Jun 24, 2009 Grand Junction, CO, www.gjsentinel.com) Alan and Nancy Friedman heard about Pickleball in Casa Grande, Ariz., where they spend the winter. After one match, they were hooked. Now they’re trying to spread the word about the hybrid sport in Grand Junction. The Friedmans, who moved to Grand Junction a few years ago when they retired, were invited to play with some friends in Arizona. The sport has blossomed among senior citizens in Casa Grande, they said.

Pickleball Is 'Dill-icious' Sport For Seniors (Jun 18, 2009 Athens, TN, dpa.xtn.net) Through competition in its first year as part of the local Senior Olympic Games, several area citizens have qualified to participate in pickleball at the State Senior Olympics Games scheduled for July 17-23 in Franklin (Williamson County). "It's a great sport and lot of fun," said Billy Cabrera. "It's also a good way to exercise and stay in shape."

2nd Annual Wrightwood Pickleball Tournament (Jun 18, 2009 Wrightwood, CA, by Carol Bishop) 67 players, ages 14 - 73, participated in the 3-day tournament held under the pine trees, next to the blue lake, and at an altitude of 6,000 feet at the Wrightwood Country Club in Wrightwood, California. Three days of constant play, and divisions of age groups and skill levels, made for a very unique and successful tournament.