Pickleball’s Uncontrollable Rise in Michiana: Pickleball, a sport that has been gaining traction across the country, continues to surge in popularity throughout Michiana. For those curious about the game, an upcoming pickleball event in South Bend on Saturday will offer an opportunity to learn more. With its appeal to players of all ages, from teens to seniors, pickleball is becoming a beloved pastime for many in the area.
Whether one is new to the game or a seasoned athlete, it’s easy to see why this sport is catching on so quickly. Its mix of simplicity, accessibility, and fast-paced play has made it a hit.
Competitive Spirit on the Court
Shannan and Brett Lindzy, a Mishawaka couple in their early 50s, show the sport’s draw. During a match at Central Park, Brett can be found comfortably winning against his wife. Shannan, however, keeps things light, throwing playful remarks into the game. Brett, amused, notes, “She calls it competitive,” while Shannan laughs and responds, “That’s nothing! That’s not anger, that’s mild.”
The couple picked up the sport this summer and have become regulars at the courts. Shannan finds the game’s exercise benefits especially rewarding, recalling how she lost seven pounds in a week just by playing pickleball. The two enjoy the ease and fun that comes with the game, something they can do together without feeling like they’re working out.
The Game’s Growing Appeal
Pickleball has captured the attention of people of all ages, largely because it is so easy to pick up and requires minimal equipment. The sport is a blend of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, allowing players to engage in singles or doubles matches with just a paddle, a wiffle ball, and, for some, a knee brace.
In Mishawaka, Central Park reflects the game’s growing popularity. What used to be basketball courts were transformed into six pickleball courts, which fill up quickly during the evenings. Brett Lindzy mentioned that by 6:15 p.m., all the courts were occupied.
The Michiana Pickleball Club has seen this growth firsthand. President Nick Falletta started playing pickleball ten years ago after seeing a brief TV news story on the sport. At the time, he was dealing with ankle issues that made tennis difficult, so he decided to give pickleball a try.
Initially, he and a few friends set up a court at the ICE Athletic Center, and passersby quickly became intrigued. What started with just four players soon blossomed into a thriving community of pickleball enthusiasts. The club now has 724 members, with Falletta expecting to hit 1,000 next year. Falletta credits the sport’s simplicity and wide appeal, saying,
“We’ve got folks that never played any sport in their entire life but they’re playing pickleball.” – (Falletta)
Community Events and Future Growth
For those interested in trying the sport, the Ray Comer Pickleball Social Event at Boehm Park in South Bend on Saturday offers an ideal introduction. Scheduled from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the event will be led by members of the Michiana Pickleball Club, who will provide lessons and tips for beginners. The pickleball courts at Boehm Park were named after Ray Comer, a parks employee who championed the sport before his passing in 2020.
Gary Demski, the athletic director for South Bend’s Venues, Parks & Arts, has seen firsthand how the addition of pickleball courts has drawn more people to Boehm Park. He notes that it’s not uncommon to see all eight courts filled as early as 7:30 a.m. With players of all ages flocking to the park, the sport has quickly become a central activity for the community.
“I will see people out there as early as 7, 7:30 in the morning that are participating and playing pickleball. At times at 8 o’clock in the morning, we have eight courts out there, all eight of them will be filled. People I talk with on our Athletics Facilities team, 9, 10 o’clock they’ve got people actually waiting to get on the court.” – (Demski)
Falletta, reflecting on pickleball’s appeal, pointed out that the game’s inclusiveness is what makes it unique. He shared how he, at 78 years old, can play alongside his son-in-law, grandson, and granddaughter, saying, “It’s a pretty unique game because you can actually play it.” Even across generations, pickleball continues to unite families and friends on the court.
“I’m 78 and I’ve gotten on the pickleball court with my 50-year-old son-in-law, my 16-year-old grandson and 17-year-old granddaughter, and it’s a pretty unique game because you can actually play it. That 16-year-old grandson of mine, after a couple of open play, he was playing better than I’ll ever play the rest of my life.” – (Falletta)
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Uncontrollable Rise in Michiana
Pickleball’s popularity is soaring across Michiana, appealing to players of all ages and skill levels. The sport, which blends elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton, requires minimal equipment and offers fast-paced, easy-to-learn play. Central Park in Mishawaka has converted former basketball courts into six pickleball courts, which are often packed in the evenings.
This Saturday, the Ray Comer Pickleball Social Event will take place at Boehm Park in South Bend, offering beginners an introduction to the game. The event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., though possible rain may impact attendance.
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