NEXT UP IN PICKLEBALL

PICKLEBALL POPULARITY SOARS in southern Twin Cities Metro

BY JACQUELINE DEVINE

There’s a sport that’s exploding in the southwest metro.

If you haven’t heard about pickleball by now, it won’t be long before a friend recruits you to play a game.

Enthusiasts say the sport is popular for its fun, social and friendly nature. Plus the fact that it’s good exercise doesn’t hurt either.

Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport that was created by combining elements of several other racket sports. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a perforated polymer ball over a net. The ball is much like a wiffleball.

A pickleball court is similar to badminton, with a net similar to tennis, and the paddles are similar to those in table tennis.

According to the official pickleball website, pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads — Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating the game.

Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the U.S. and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

Over the years, the sport spread like wildfire and became popular in community centers, public parks, YMCA facilities, retirement homes and the southern Twin Cities metro where it’s home to several pickleball courts and clubs.

PICKLEBALL IN SAVAGE

Pickleball is offered in the community of Savage at Savage Community Park, 13550 Dakota Ave.

Dan Brettschneider, recreation coordinator for the city of Savage, is an avid pickleball player and said he would like to see more young people join in the future and predicts there will be a pickleball club at the high school in the next five years.

“I would say I’ve been playing since 2018, so about four years. My friend and I were playing tennis and we just thought for lack of better terms, it was a lot of running for us,” laughed Brettschneider. “It’s really exploded in the last year and a half. It’s a neat sport that’s really taking off and I hope to see more younger kids playing.”

Brettschneider said that he didn’t fall in love with the sport right away but it later grew on him because of how welcoming the atmosphere was.

“When we got into it we didn’t give it too much of a chance but we played for the first time and really enjoyed it. It’s really social and it’s really different than any other sport. Everyone is pretty welcoming regardless of your ability,” he said.

For more information about pickleball in Savage, including tournaments, visit cityofsavage.com.

PRIOR LAKE PICKLEBALL CLUB

In Prior Lake, residents can enjoy the sport at the eight pickleball court complex located at 15651 Skuya Dr. N.W. in Spring Lake Regional Park. Residents may also join the Prior Lake Pickleball Club.

The Prior Lake Pickleball Club offers members with open play, lessons, tournaments and several social activities. The club currently has 250 members and counting, according to club officials.

Paul Burck, treasurer of the

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIOR LAKE PICKLEBALL CLUB

Prior Lake Pickleball Club members play pickleball at Spring Lake Regional Park.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PRIOR LAKE PICKLEBALL CLUB

Prior Lake Pickleball Club members play a game of pickleball at Spring Lake Regional Park.

Prior Lake Pickleball Club, said he started playing the beloved sport about six years ago and has been hooked ever since.

“My wife and I began playing inside about six years ago at a health club to which we belong when they began offering it as an activity. We are cold weather health club people and usually have other things we do in warm weather,” said Burck. “I’d heard of pickleball, but really didn’t know much about it. When my health club offered it, my wife and I thought, ‘Why not?,’ and so joined in. We quickly became addicted to this game. It is athletic, less so than tennis, and suits our mature adult bodies while being both challenging and fun.”

Burck encourages anyone who is interested in the sport to check out the club.

“It’s not just for residents and it’s not a requirement to join the club to play. Most of our members are residents of Prior Lake, but many live in nearby cities or townships and we have a few members who live nearby only in the summer when they are visiting the area for the season,” said Burck. “There are many reasons to become a member of our club. These include social activities on and away from the courts for which only members receive invitations to picnics, parties, etc. Only members have access to a smartphone app that helps keep track of ‘who’s playing when’ so that we can know if it makes sense to head to the courts.”

Burck added that club and community information is communicated to club members only on the email list. He said members learn about and often participate in community service projects that the club promotes, such as helping Prior Lake Rotary Club staff up for Music Fest services. Members may also vote on club issues and get involved in the club through service on the board of directors.

“Someone interested in joining can talk with any member at the courts to learn more about our club. As soon as the weather cooperates better, a lot of people, including club members, will be on the courts morning through evenings,” said Burck. “I have made so many new friends through playing and being involved in club management. We appreciate everyone who comes to play and we look forward to welcoming new members to our growing club.”

There will be a Prior Lake Pickleball Club Tournament on Sept. 17. For more information on how to join the Prior Lake Pickleball Club and register for the tournaments, visit https:// plpclub.org.