How a Little Dog Named Pickles Made a Name for Himself

Lion's Park will be the test site for a new sport called 'pickleball' this summer.  The sport is named after the inventor’s cocker spaniel 'Pickles,' which kept stealing the ball when the game was first being played, according to the USA Pickleball Association's website.

“As a  tennis player, I’m not even aware of pickleball before tonight” said Muskego Parks and Recreation Board President Toby Whipple of the sport, which closely resembles badminton and tennis.

The 44” x 44” test court will be set up at Lion's Park by about mid-June after a unanimous board vote Monday night. 

Pickleball requires a painted court, a net lowered to 34 inches at the center, a small ball similar to a whiffle ball, and composition graphite, short-handled racquets for up to 4 players.  Muskego users will need to provide their own rackets and balls to play.

Bob Kosharek, a Muskego resident and Florida snowbird who brought the request to the City after playing the game in past winters, said pickleball offers a great way for senior citizens and others to stay in shape. 

“It’s fast, requires good hand to eye coordination, and may be just what this community needs,” said Kosharek. 

The Parks and Recreation Department will test interest in the sport over the summer and may try to provide an indoor facility in the fall, said Craig Anderson, Director of the Department.