Peterborough Embraces Pickleball: As the sun shone brightly over Adams Playground in Peterborough on a warm Tuesday morning, pickleball enthusiasts gathered eagerly under umbrellas, anticipating their next game. Despite temperatures not yet hitting 90 degrees, the players were out in full force, enjoying the perfect weather at the tennis courts turned pickleball arena.
Typically held at the Peterborough Community Center, sessions move outdoors to Adams Playground when weather permits. The game, played on modified tennis courts, features narrower dimensions and uses paddles resembling oversized table tennis paddles, alongside a plastic ball.
“We love to have fun, encourage each other, and laugh,” shared Sharri Pelanske of Rindge, encapsulating the community spirit of pickleball players. Originating in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, pickleball’s name origins vary from the type of boat called a pickle boat to a dog named Pickles, depending on whom you ask.
According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals’ March 2023 report, the sport has seen a surge in popularity, with 48.3 million adult Americans, nearly 19% of the adult population, playing in the previous year—a 35% increase from the previous year’s figures.
“It’s addicting. We’re all addicts,” remarked James Roy of Peterborough, highlighting the game’s captivating appeal among players of all ages.
Peterborough’s Recreation Department caters to pickleball enthusiasts with a range of play sessions and clinics. Recreational play for levels 2 to 3.25 on Tuesday and Friday from 6 .m. to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 8:30 a.m. to 10:20 a.m., with open play and competitive sessions accommodating various skill levels throughout the week.
For those new to the sport, beginner clinics are available, fostering growth and enjoyment within the local pickleball community. The next sessions are scheduled for June 24-25vfrom 9-11 a.m., providing newcomers an opportunity to learn and embrace this rapidly growing sport in Peterborough.
News in Brief : Peterborough Embraces Pickleball Craze
As pickleball continues to thrive in Peterborough, fueled by camaraderie and a passion for the game, Adams Playground remains a vibrant hub for enthusiasts seeking fun, fitness, and friendly competition under the sun.
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