PICKLEBALL Equipment minimal, rules easy to understand

By Celeste Edenloff Alexandria Echo Press

Pickleball. What is it? Where can I play? And what kind of equipment do I need?

Lynn Jenc, Alexandria Community Education director, and Fritz Bukowski, Community Education coordinator, answer those questions and more about America’s fastest growing sport.

First off, did you know pickleball was created when some kids who were vacationing together complained about being bored? The year was 1965. According to the Recreation Management website, which was shared by Jenc, a net was lowered on an existing badminton court, ping pong paddles and wiffle balls were brought out and that was it, the game came to life.

The equipment is minimal and the rules are easy to understand, according to Recreation Management.

Bukowski said all that is needed to play is a paddle, which can cost anywhere between $20 and $200. He said the average person pays between $30 and $60. Pickleball balls are $3 to $5. Bukowski said there are outdoor balls with smaller holes and indoor balls with larger holes.

Other than that, a person just needs tennis shoes, workout attire and a court to play in that has lines and a net.

In the Alexandria lakes area, those wishing to learn how to play can take classes. Bukowski said Community Education offers beginner clinics every month at Discovery Middle School. Racquets/paddles and balls are provided and no experience is necessary.

“Class size is 12 participants and it fills up fast,” he said, noting that it is fun to sign up with a friend.

For more information on classes, either call Community Ed at 320-762-3310 or go online at alexandria.ce.eleyo.com.

If you already know how to play but want to know where in the area you can play, Bukowski said there are several places, including the following:

► Discovery Middle School inside courts

► Discovery Middle School outside courts (four of the tennis courts are painted for pickleball)

► Alexandria Area YMCA

► Blind Squirrel Pickleball Club (This is in the northeast corner of the Aagard Fabrication Center, which is also known as the former Kmart building.)

► Alexandria City Park (There are eight outdoor courts.)

The outdoor courts are free to play on, while the cost to play on the indoor courts varies.

Jenc said there are many benefits to playing pickleball, but one benefit she highlighted is that it is a great aerobic workout without the strain and stress on muscles and joints.

“Equally important, is the social/emotional aspects of meeting new people, gaining confidence in skills, providing a sense of purpose and the pure joy of laughing with others,” Jenc said. “And you can have a conversion while you play. Many of our pickleball players have gained friendships that extend beyond the game.”

Jenc said anyone can learn the game and become proficient very quickly. She said the great thing about the game is that people don’t have to be big athletes.

“You don’t have to move much to hit the ball, especially if you play doubles,” she said. “Plus, it’s a small court.” locally, Community Education is researching options to encourage and offer play and leagues for multigenerational play.