Pequannock’s Hottest New Sport

In September 2022, courts at Greenview Park were resurfaced and lined for the dual purposes of tennis and pickleball. From that point on, the pickleball craze that is sweeping America took off in Pequannock Township. But what is pickleball and where did it come from?

While the sport’s roots in Pequannock go back about a decade, its origins date to Washington State and the summer of 1965, when three friends—U.S. Congressman Joel Pritchard, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell—sought a fun outdoor activity for their children on picturesque Bainbridge Island. They gave birth to pickleball by combining elements of badminton, tennis and ping-pong.

Joan, who thought the combination of sports was akin to pickle boats in crew, which comprised leftover oarsmen from other boats.

Pickleball became an instant hit not only with children but also adults. Its popularity grew first in the friends’ neighborhood, then throughout western Washington. By 1972, demand for pickleball equipment such as paddles, balls and nets had surged so much that Pritchard and his friends founded Pickleball Inc., marking a new era for the game.

BY GREG DABICE

The name pickleball was either derived from Pritchard’s dog, Pickles, or coined by Pritchard’s wife,

By 1975, intrigued articles about the sport started appearing in publications like the National Observer and Tennis magazine, and pickleball continued its growth across the United States and even around the globe.

Simple, Fun and Healthy

The secret to pickleball’s popularity lies in its simplicity and accessibility. It is easy to learn, making it ideal for beginners and people of all ages. The social nature of the game fosters a sense of community, as players make new friends and connect with others in the pickleball community.

Pickleball isn’t just fun, it’s also beneficial. Players often improve cardiovascular health, enhance hand-eye coordination and even reduce depression. The game provides low-impact exercise—perfect for older adults or those with joint issues—yet still offers a good workout.

Pickleball can also be played both indoors and outdoors, making it a versatile, year-round activity regardless of weather. Above all, pickleball is inclusive. People of all ages, fitness levels and abilities can enjoy its physical exercise, mental stimulation, social interaction and—most important—fun.

By 2022, the number of pickleball players reached 8.9 million in the United States, surpassing older sports like softball and volleyball. Manufacturers raced to meet demand for balls and paddles while others looked to build new courts or even entire destinations catering to the pickleball set.

Today, the pop-pop-popping of pickleballs across the country shows little sign of letting up—including in Pequannock Township.

Growing at Greenview

Pickleball’s first roots in Pequannock can be traced to our high school’s gym class, where the activity has been an option for at least 10 to 12 years. About six years ago, the Parks and Recreation Department first attempted to bring the sport to the broader local population by purchasing nets and marking lines at Greenview Park. The nets were short-lived but served their purpose in helping the township realize this up-and-coming sport deserved attention.

With the 2022 court resurfacing at Greenview Park, pickleball truly arrived in Pequannock. Realizing the need for organization, Tim Gitin and Adriana Costa started a Thursday night league through the Parks and Recreation Department. The first spring league of 24 teams filled up in just five hours!

Not everyone wants to play in a league, so Dave Vasilenko and Simon Hardie of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee started openplay nights, with Greenview courts reserved for that purpose every Tuesday through the end of September. During open play, beginners and experienced players alike get together for an informal good time, making it an excellent entry point for those looking to give pickleball a try.

With demand growing by the day, the township is responding with tentative plans to add as many as four more dedicated pickleball courts at Greenview. So if you haven’t tried it yet, grab a paddle, get yourself over to Greenview Park and see what this national sensation is all about.

Greg Dabice is a longtime active member of the Pequannock community. He is currently president of the Chamber of Commerce, vice chair of the Economic Development Committee and a member of the Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee.