In The News

Pickleball Joins The Arnold Festival (Mar 5, 2010 Columbus, OH, prweb.com) The Central Ohio Senior Olympics are introducing pickleball for the first time to the Arnold Active Living Festival in Columbus Ohio. “We are extremely excited to have pickleball introduced to the participants and visitors of the Arnold Festival,” said Bill Booth, President of the USA Pickleball Association. “The sport of pickleball is really catching on across North America and is particularly popular with seniors."

Pickleball Tickles Calgarians (Mar 4, 2010 Calgary, Canada, Calgary Herald) Pickleball is particularly popular in seniors' RV parks and retirement communities in the US - communities that the snowbirds frequent. And it's because of the snowbirds' migration back to Canada that pickleball is appearing in Calgary. Within the past year five pickleball clubs have sprung up in Alberta.

Disney Opens Re-branded ESPN Wide World Of Sports Complex (Feb 26, 2010 Orlando, FL, http://www.gadling.com) There are more than 250 acres set aside for new development at the ESPN Wide World of Sports. And this spring, the staff is working on the idea of bringing down an event for a fast-growing, new sport: Pickleball. We're guessing Disney could fit six, maybe even 12, Pickleball courts inside one of its fieldhouses for a round-robin tournament. And I, for one, can't wait for that SportsCenter highlight reel.

Marinette Draws Seniors (Feb 26, 2010 Sun City, AZ, www.yourwestvalley.com) The click-click melody reminds me of a table tennis match on steroids, yet it has a magnetic charm at Marinette Recreation Center. I turn the corner and discover the sounds are emanating from the mixed doubles pickleball competition at the Arizona Senior Olympics. More than 300 pickleball players during the weeklong competition.

Pickleball Has Potential In Vail Valley (Feb 23, 2010 Vail Valley, CO, Vail Daily) Get movin' and get shakin' - that's the message some seniors are hoping to spread throughout Colorado's Vail Valley. The Recreation District's Movers and Shakers, a new program is getting more locals involved in its first organized activity - Pickleball.

Pickleball Club Hosting Beginner's Clinics (Feb 20, 2010 Green Valley, AZ, Green Valley News and Sun) Clinics for ages 50 to 80+ with plenty of laughs. If you don't own any laughter, don't worry, the Pickleball club will supply it. Most residents are retired and easily amused. Join the fun!

Pickleball To Debut In 2010 Mesquite Nevada Senior Games (Feb 9, 2010 Mesquite, NV, Mesquite Local News) Mesquite Senior Games Coordinator Frank Pati recently announced that Pickleball will be part of the local lineup for the very first time. There will be men's and women's singles and doubles, as well as mixed doubles - The venue for Pickleball in the 2010 Mesquite Senior Games will be the courts at Del Webb's Sun City Mesquite and begins on April 5.

Cool As A Cucumber (Feb 4, 2010 Port Huron, MI, thetimesherald.com) The St. Clair resident now has discovered a new form of recreation -- pickleball. "The ladies at tennis one day were talking about playing pickleball - when I saw it was starting here at the Y, I thought I would give it a try. "I enjoy it, it's a good workout, and everybody who plays is very friendly."

Cocktail Fitness - For Residents Of Mumbai, India (Jan 29, 2010 Mumbai, India, www.mumbaimirror.com) This game is as cool as it sounds. If you are the sort who values good health, religiously follows sports and dreams of a fit body, but are too lazy or busy to pick up a racket or do the gymming routine, pickleball is just for you. “It’s about recreation as well as fitness. And it doesn’t require too much paraphernalia. Hence it’s ideal for a family or small group of friends.”

Pickleball Tournament Fundraiser Benefits Families With Children Battling Cancer (Jan 19, 2010 The Villages, FL, www.thevillagesdailysun.com) Good competition, good weather and a good cause helped make the inaugural pickleball tournament to benefit the Tri-County Optimists a success. The Pickleball Advisory Committee hosted the tournament for men, women and doubles teams that began Monday and will continue with play Thursday and Friday at Saddlebrook Recreation Center. The entry fee of $5 supports the Childhood Cancer Committee’s efforts to provide aid to families with a child who is battling cancer.

Arizona Senior Olympics Expands Pickleball Lineup (Jan 19, 2010 Sun City, AZ, www.yourwestvalley.com) "Pickleball has been introduced to a lot of younger people and it is one of the largest events at the senior olympics," said Bob Lanius, ASO pickleball commissioner. "But most of the tournaments throughout the year are for seniors, not young people. We hope these new events will get more people interested in the sport."

Pick Up A Pickleball Paddle At St. Pete Beach Community Center (Jan 17, 2010 St Pete Beach, FL, www.tampabay.com/) Bill and Karla Gerczak enjoy staying active during retirement. In addition to tennis, long walks and occasional bicycle rides, they incorporate a high-energy game of pickleball into their fitness regimen. "It's a good sweat and yet it's fun at the same time," said Karla Gerczak. "You hardly know you're working out."

SCW Rec Center Opens Place For Pickleball (Jan 17, 2010 Sun City West, AZ, www.yourwestvalley.com) The new, 10-court complex at the Palm Ridge Recreation Center officially opened after a ribbon-cutting ceremony and Pickleball Club demonstrations Friday. About 500 pickleball players, residents and dignitaries attended the upbeat celebration that Pickleball Club President Larry Masteller said was "a long time coming."

Snowbirds Game On With Pickleball (Jan 6, 2010 Eden Prairie, MN, www.myfoxtwincities.com) We're talking about pickleball, a sport that's really gaining popularity lately – especially with snowbirds. M.A. Rosko hits the courts. [Video on MyFox Twin Cities]

City To Offer Demonstration; Game Would Be New To City Programs (Jan 5, 2010 Joplin, MO, www.joplinglobe.com) The Joplin Parks and Recreation Department is planning a demonstration Thursday to introduce residents to the sport, a cross between pingpong, badminton and tennis. . . Some physical education students from Missouri Southern State University are to show how the sport is played during the demonstration. A pickle-ball class is offered at MSSU. Pat Lipira, with the university’s kinesiology department, teaches the game.

Get Your Paddles Out For This Popular New Sport At Your Nearest YMCA (Dec 30, 2009 Clear Lake, TX, www.hcnonline.com) There is a thriving pickleball community here in Clear Lake, League City and Pearland. Just visit any YMCA in the morning and you will find several matches taking place on the basketball courts.

Pickleball Growing On Area Courts (Dec 21, 2009 Houston, TX, www.chron.com) Pickleball has invaded Houston and is gaining more followers all the time... Newcomers to the sport can find a game at many of the YMCAs in the Houston area, and every Saturday and Wednesday mornings at the Fonde Recreation Center near downtown.

Pickleball Players Say It's The Real Dill (Dec 6, 2009 Rio Rancho, NM, www.observer-online.com) For Risa Caldwell, pickleball is more than a game and more than a sport. It’s a way of life, believe it or not... Now, she says, she plays six times a week. And, since July, she has dropped 22 pounds, much of that weight loss due to playing pickleball, some due to better nutrition. “Being athletic and being in the prime of your life — it’s the fountain of youth,” she said. “You’re exercising but it’s a lot of fun. (Playing pickleball in the) Senior Olympics is my goal.”

One Pickle Of A Game (Dec 4, 2009 Prescott, AZ, www.dcourier.com) What do you get when you cross the games of badminton, ping pong and tennis? It's one of the fastest growing game in the country: Pickleball. The game that began in the summer of 1965 by two desperate dads in the Puget Sound area of Washington state, Bill Bell and Joel Pritchard, to keep their kids entertained now has hundreds of courts being built and converted with thousands of new participants playing daily.

Peoria Presents Pickleball (Dec 4, 2009 Peoria, AZ, www.peoriaaz.gov) Leagues Forming for Adults, Youths Who Want to Try Sport. According to Recreation Programmer Shane Hannah, it is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. “I strongly recommend that you come out and experience this sport,” Hannah says. “Don’t miss out on this great growing sport for youth and adults. I warn you: Once you try it, you will be hooked!” Peoria’s Pickleball leagues will start in January.

SC Grand Resident Relishes Game Of Pickleball (Dec 3, 2009 Surprise, AZ, www.yourwestvalley.com) Defeat turned Pat Kane into a champion. The retired firefighter began playing pickleball in 1986, learning the racket sport in Washington, the place of its origin and still a hotbed of enthusiasm for the game. "I had always played a lot of sports, from softball to flag football and tennis," Kane said. "Sports are like anything else — you like playing what you’re good at."

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.