Heated Courts Bring Winter Paddle Play To Northbrook Park District

NORTHBROOK, IL — Colder weather won't mean heading indoors for Northbrook Park District's newest sports program.

The district will launch paddle classes the week of Oct. 20 at Glenbrook Paddle Club, offering beginners and experienced players a chance to stay active outdoors through the fall and into winter.

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The club's four outdoor courts sit on an elevated deck with a heating system that prevents snow accumulation. Club owner Christi Turdo, a former tennis professional who opened the facility in 2020, told the district that players often shed layers as games progress.

"You can be outside and not locked inside all winter," Turdo told the district. "That's how this sport came about, and it took off. People love it."

Formally known as platform tennis, paddle is a doubles game with tennis-style scoring played on courts similar in size to pickleball courts. It is a different sport from padel.

One distinguishing feature is the mesh screen surrounding the court: A ball can bounce off the screen and remain in play, adding another challenge for players.

Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Luke Denten recently tried the sport for the first time.

"It was a fantastic time," Denten said in the district's release. "As a first-time player, I found the game exciting, engaging and easy to enjoy."

Classes will be led by Glenbrook Paddle Club Director of Paddle Andy Wright, a former tennis professional who learned the game about 35 years ago from Paddle Hall of Famer Howard Sipe.

"The vibe of what we've got going here is like a mid-mountain Aspen," Wright told the district. "It's relaxed. We're low stress. It's like, 'Let's go have some fun!'"

The club also offers indoor and outdoor seating, TVs and fireplaces. Players can bring their own beverages and order food to enjoy with friends after playing.

The district's fall lineup includes:

• Ladies' Open Drill and Play: Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 15, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Ladies Paddle Night Out: Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 15, from 6 to 7:30 p.m. or 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Men's Paddle Night Out: Tuesdays, Oct. 20-Dec. 15, from 7:30 to 9 p.m.; Wednesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, from 8 to 9:30 p.m.
• Ladies Intro to Paddle: Wednesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, from 11 a.m. to noon; Mondays, Oct. 26-Dec. 14, from 10 to 11 a.m.
• Ladies Intermediate Paddle: Wednesdays, Oct. 21-Dec. 16, from 12:30 to 2 p.m.; Mondays, Oct. 26-Dec. 14, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
• Men's Intro to Paddle: Saturdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 12, from 8 to 9:30 a.m.
• Men's Intermediate Paddle: Saturdays, Oct. 24-Dec. 12, from 10:30 a.m. to noon.

Registration and more information are available at nbparks.org.