Pickleball season begins in Reedsburg

In June of 2020, a grandfather and his eldest grandson started playing pickleball at Oak Park, where two tennis courts had been converted to official areas for playing the sport.

With the placement of an article and picture in the local newspapers, the playing of pickleball has expanded and grown in the city of Reedsburg.

You may ask, “What is pickleball?” Wikipedia defines it this way: “Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, much like a waffle ball, with 26-40 round holes, over a net.”

Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in America, especially amongst seniors, and is played throughout the winter months of warmer climates, especially where seniors reside.

Here in Reedsburg, participants play outside. The youngest player is 12 years old.

With the advent of pickleball starting and growing in Reedsburg, almost every day of the week there are individuals playing at Oak Park. The schedule began April 5 and typically takes place from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Monday through Thursday and from 3 to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday.

There are extra paddles and balls so, if want to show up and give it, a try there is no cost to you.

Numbers of people showing up to play range from eight to 20 per time.

In playing pickleball, there are certain rules of courtesy that are unique to the Reedsburg Friends of Pickle Ball, such as they never say, “I am sorry,” or call, “game point,” when it is the opportunity to win the game.

Because of the growing popularity of the sport, Reedsburg Parks and Recreation Director Matt Scott has been most helpful in getting the other courts at Oak Park marked for pickleball, refurbishing the playing areas of all the courts at Oak Park and making sure the outdoor lights were working. With the additional courts, now 16 people can play at the same time.

Those who are interested are invited to swing by one of these days or contact Rich Braun at richbraun70@gmail.com or 608-495-6117.