Are you ready to play some pickleball?

By Laura Bohnert

Pickleball is gaining in popularity across North America—and now you can play in Whitecourt, too!

While indoor pickleball has been available in Whitecourt since September, plans are in motion to get it moved outside this summer reports Jolene Rarick, Whitecourt’s fitness co-ordinator. “Right now it is taking place inside at the Allan & Jean Millar Centre, but we are planning to start using the tennis court as well as the outdoor arenas this summer.”

On Tuesdays and Thursdays from June to August, from 10 to 11 a.m., pickleball will be available at the Carlan Services Community Resource Centre tennis court. The ATB Financial Fieldhouse will be used as an alternate location during poor weather.

Equipment will be available at those locations.

Pickleball is a fun game that is suitable for players of all ages at all levels: “Basically, it is a life-sized game of ping pong that mixes with badminton as well as tennis,” Rarick explains. “When playing in the fieldhouse, you use the lines of the badminton court, or you use the tennis court lines. You use big oversized ping pong paddles and an oversized ping pong ball, and you can play either singles or doubles. It’s a sport any age can play and still have fun. You can play with grandpa and still get a good workout, varying levels can play, and it is still fun for both parties.

“This is the first time pickleball has been offered, and we are already getting a really good turnout. Pickleball is booming in the city centres. It’s just starting here, but it’s getting bigger and bigger. A lot of seniors are participating, and we’ve even introduced some groups of kids to pickleball, and they love it.

“Pickleball offers a huge social benefit. Typically, people come out and meet new people to play with. It’s an opportunity to be competitive without having to be too competitive, and it helps get people outside, staying active, and having fun.”

Of course, if Pickleball isn’t up your alley, or if you are looking for an additional summer activity to keep you outside and active this summer, head to the sand volleyball courts at Rotary Park Wednesday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m. between June and August for some drop-in sand volleyball fun.

Don’t miss your chance to stay active with some outdoor fun. Visit Whitecourt.ca and the Allan & Jean Millar Centre websites to stay up-to-date on all the fun drop-in events this summer.