Try paddle this fall in Northbrook

If you like the idea of comfortably playing a sport outdoors in the cold weather and getting fresh air during the long winter months, look no further than the Northbrook Park District’s new paddle program.

The Park District’s fall lineup includes paddle classes for men and women of all ability levels, including opportunities for beginners to learn the game. The program kicks off the week of Oct. 20 at Glenbrook Paddle Club, which offers four heated outdoor courts.

The courts are on an elevated deck equipped with a heating system that prevents snow accumulation. That creates an environment so mild that many players shed layers of clothing as the game progresses, said Glenbrook Paddle Club owner Christi Turdo, a former tennis pro who opened the facility in 2020.

“It a great sport, because people want to play in the wintertime. You can be outside and not locked inside all winter,” Turdo said. “That's how this sport came about, and it took off. People love it.”

Formally called “platform tennis” (and not to be confused with padel), paddle is a doubles game played on courts similar in size to pickleball, with a scoring system like tennis. The game was invented in 1928 by two neighbors who lived in Scarsdale, New York.

A major difference between paddle and pickleball is that paddle courts are surrounded by a mesh cage, and the ball can bounce off the mesh screen and still be in play. That presents an added challenge that paddle players find exciting, Turdo said.

Northbrook Park District Recreation Supervisor Luke Denten tried paddle for the first time earlier this week and gave it an enthusiastic thumbs up.

“It was a fantastic time,” he said. “As a first-time player, I found the game exciting, engaging and easy to enjoy. Overall, Paddle is a fun and dynamic sport that is definitely worth trying — and early fall is the best time to check it out!”

Glenbrook Paddle Club Director of Paddle Andy Wright, also a former tennis pro, learned the nuances of 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 said of Glenbrook Paddle Club. “It’s relaxed. We're low stress. It's like, ‘Let's go have some fun!’”

During the Midwest’s long winter season, paddle is a great way to enjoy the outdoors without having to go far from home, Wright said. “The game is sanity from October to April.”

Wright is an amazing instructor, especially for beginners, Turdo said. “He's so good at what he does, teaching-wise. He can take anybody and turn you into a paddle player,” she said.

Glenbrook Paddle Club also features indoor and outdoor seating with TVs and fireplaces. Players can bring their own beverages/drinks, and order food for a relaxing time with friends and fellow players.

The Park District’s paddle programming this fall features:

Ladies' Open Drill and Play

·11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 20 to Dec. 15

Ladies Paddle Night Out

·6 to 7:30 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 20 to Dec. 15

·7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 20 to Dec. 15

·8 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21 to Dec. 16

Men's Paddle Night Out

·7:30 to 9 p.m. Tuesdays Oct. 20 to Dec. 15

·8 to 9:30 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21 to Dec. 16

Ladies Intro to Paddle

·11 a.m. to 12 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21 to Dec. 16

·10 to 11 a.m. Mondays Oct. 26 to Dec. 14

Ladies Intermediate Paddle

·12:30 to 2 p.m. Wednesdays Oct. 21 to Dec. 16

·11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Mondays Oct. 26 to Dec. 14

Men's Intro to Paddle

·8 to 9:30 a.m. Saturdays Oct. 24 to Dec. 12

Men’s Intermediate Padde

·10:30 a.m. to 12 p.m. Saturdays Oct. 24 to Dec. 12

To register or for more information, visit nbparks.org or call (847) 291-2993.

Established in 1927, the mission of the Northbrook Park District is to enhance the community by providing outstanding services, parks and facilities through environmental, social and financial stewardship.