Keizer Rapids Park’s Pickleball Clinics: Free pickleball clinics for all ages will be held on Saturday, May 17, at Keizer Rapids Park as part of KeizerFEST. The Salem-Keizer Pickleball Club will run the event. No cost or equipment is required. Clinics will be available for kids, teens, and adults, followed by exhibition games.
Pickleball for Everyone
The Salem-Keizer Pickleball Club will lead free lessons at the Keizer Rapids Park pickleball courts. The park is the central location for KeizerFEST, and the courts will host the event all day. People of all ages and skill levels are welcome to join.
Children’s clinics are set for 1 p.m. and 1:30 p.m. Teen sessions follow at 2 p.m. and 2:30 p.m. Adult clinics will be at 3 p.m. and 3:30 p.m. From 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., the club will hold exhibition matches. Steven Albus, co-president of the Salem-Keizer Pickleball Club, said the clinics are for anyone who wants to learn or improve.
“It’s just for anyone – beginners and up – who want to learn how to play better pickleball.” – (Steven Albus)
Helping Players Improve
Club volunteers will guide players based on their skills. Steven Albus said beginners and experienced players will benefit. Some courts will be used for competitive games, but Albus encouraged new players to still try.
“I always say, you’re never going to get better if you still play with people your own level.” – (Steven Albus)
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., according to USA Pickleball, the national association for the game.
“We’ve had a huge response at our club. I think we’ve grown twofold from last year.” – (Steven Albus)
Strong Community Growth
Even with pickleball’s growth, finding courts is a challenge for many in the area. The courts at Keizer Rapids Park were installed last year and offer players a new space for games and practice. On regular days, the six courts operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
The Salem-Keizer Pickleball Club has been around for more than 10 years. It supports players with games and group sessions at The PAC Community Center in Salem, available from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. on weekdays.
The club is a non-profit that relies on volunteers. It connects local people and groups to grow pickleball in the area through events like tournaments and round-robin games. Members can join the club for $25 a year, or $30 for partners. Drop-in play at The PAC costs $10 per visit. The group also holds monthly meetings to share news, review rules, and plan future activities.
“The more the merrier.” – (Steven Albus)
Steven Albus, a club member for three years, hopes for a big turnout at the KeizerFEST clinics. Many volunteers will be available to help.
“And I hope this won’t be a one-time event. I want it to keep going.” – (Steven Albus)
News in Brief: Keizer Rapids Park’s Pickleball Clinics
Free pickleball clinics will take place during KeizerFEST on May 17 at Keizer Rapids Park. The Salem-Keizer Pickleball Club invites all ages to learn and play. No equipment is needed. Volunteers will lead sessions for kids, teens, and adults, ending with exhibition matches in the afternoon.
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