Golf Maine Park District Launches Pickleball as Sports Rapidly Grows in Popularity

Golf-Maine Park District to Offer Pickleball To Answer Demand for Popular Racquet Sport

March will be celebrated as Pickleball Month at the Golf-Maine Park District (GMPD) as it launches into offering residents and those from the surrounding area the opportunity to participate in one of the fastest growing sports in America. It’s called Pickleball.

On Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to noon during March, the usual daily fee of $5 will be waived for those playing Pickleball at Feldman Recreation Center, 8800 W. Kathy Lane, Niles. The district will even supply balls and paddles on loan for newcomers. After April 1, the daily fee will be reinstated.

Three courts will be available with one of them dedicated for beginners to learn the game, get familiar with the unique rules, and practice. Intermediate and advanced players will enjoy playing on the other two courts.

In addition, GMPD will give each person who attends the Pickleball sessions in March an entry for a drawing for prizes to be awarded at the end of the month. Prizes will include a new professional-style racquet, restaurant gift cards and more. Winners need not be present to win.

“The Feldman gym was recently renovated so will provide a quality experience, “says John Jekot, GMPD’s Executive Director. “So, please drop in any Wednesday morning to experience this fun and easy-to-play sport.”

Pickleball is a racquet sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. Two, three, or four players use solid paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated polymer ball, similar to a wiffle ball over a net. The sport shares features of other racquet sports, the dimensions and layout of a badminton court, and a net and rules similar to tennis, with a few modifications. Sometimes referred to as “America’s newest racquet sport”, Pickleball was invented in the mid-1960s as a children's backyard pastime but has become popular among adults as well. It is currently played in all 50 states and has been part of regional senior Olympics and senior games in many locations.

For more information contact 847-297-3000 or visit www.gmpd.org.

Caption: Here, a group of players from Park Ridge, recently gathered after competing in Barrington with players from Libertyville, Palatine and elsewhere. L to r, in the front row, are Sue Hall, Dayna Vey, Mary Szyjka, and Dick Barton. In the back row, l to r, are Bob Holenadel, Tom Gawne, and Bob Stenberg.