You’ve probably heard about Pickleball but you’re not really sure what it is.
Well, it’s a combination of tennis, badminton and table tennis and it’s the fastest growing sport in Ontario.
The game is played on a badminton size court with a whiffle ball and a short-handled paddle a bit larger than a ping pong paddle. It’s a game for the young and not-so-young and is easy to learn. You don’t have to be a good athlete to play. Pickleball is a great way to get active, keep active, and have fun at the same time.
In recent years the growth of Pickleball has been outpacing all other racquet sports here in the County with groups playing in Picton, Wellington and Waupoos. The Picton Recreation Committee began offering pickleball to its roster of community activities in 2016. At the beginning it was played in the winter months only at the local secondary school gymnasium and was enthusiastically embraced by many. Once the County added pickleball lines to the outdoor tennis court in Picton in 2019, a rapid growth in attendees began there as well. Since Covid play has been restricted to outdoor only, but once the High School allows public groups to use the gymnasium again, it will be offered there as well during the winter. So year-round play will keep everyone active and happy.
Picton Recreation Committee reports that while their outdoor membership roster currently has 44 players, they are still encouraging people to come out to try the game. The courts at Benson Park in Picton have reserved days and times for the group to play and there is currently no cost to join. They have loaner paddles for beginners to learn the game.
If you want to try Pickleball, a free two-hour introductory clinic will be held on September 7th (with a rain date of September 9th) starting at 6 p.m. at Benson Park on King Street in Picton. Covid protocols will be strictly followed.
If you are interested in joining this Clinic you must contact the Picton Recreation Committee by emailing blhme@outlook.com. Let them know if you have had both of your Covid vaccinations, and if you have any other racquet sports experience. Please also provide a contact phone number where you can be reached. The clinic is limited to 16 participants. They will contact you to let you know if you are one of the 16 lucky ones.
Future clinics will be held if the numbers warrant.
-Staff