Lemont Pickleball Community Growth: Lemont’s pickleball community continues to grow across all ages and weather conditions. Players gather daily at the Lemont Park District’s indoor CORE facility and outdoor courts at Centennial Park and Gleneagles Park. The district is also planning more courts after residents approved a 2024 construction referendum.
The sport of pickleball, similar to tennis but with smaller courts and a plastic ball, attracts people from Lemont and nearby towns like Homer Glen and Orland Park. The Lemont Park District supports the game with indoor and outdoor courts and a dedicated membership program.
Pickleball Every Day, All Year
“They play every day,” said Lauren Raspanti, director of marketing and community engagement for the Lemont Park District. “Inside and outside.”
On rainy days, the indoor courts at the CORE facility stay busy. About 30 to 40 players recently showed up to play on one wet Wednesday morning. The mix of players includes older adults, some in their 80s and 90s, who continue to enjoy the game.
“We have people playing into their 80s and even 90s,” said Mike Woods, who helps run the daily pickleball games. He mentioned Danny, who is 87, and Don Mueggenborg, who is 91, as regular players.
A Game for All Generations
Don Mueggenborg, a retired counselor from Lemont High School, works out daily at the CORE and then plays pickleball. He said his daughter and granddaughter started playing during the pandemic, and now all three generations enjoy the sport together at local courts.
Many players have switched from tennis or racquetball to pickleball. Mike Woods, who began playing in 2016, was a tennis player before picking up the paddle.
“I always say, it either gets you in shape or it kills you,” said Mike Woods, who has survived two heart attacks. He said his doctor believes his active lifestyle helped save his life.
Growing Facilities and Community
Lauren Raspanti said the district will add more courts at its Centennial Campus as part of the improvements approved in the 2024 voter referendum. The upgrades will include new and renovated pickleball and tennis courts.
“Most of the players come from Lemont,” Lauren Raspanti said, though many also travel from Homer Glen and Orland Park to join in.
The park district offers a pickleball membership that gives access to the fitness center, indoor pool, open gym and swim, and pickleball sessions.
“It’s amazing,” said Lauren Raspanti. “It’s awesome to see everyone out here, every single day.”
A Lasting Impact
Pickleball has become a part of daily life in Lemont. With players from all age groups and plans to expand facilities, the community continues to grow stronger. The sport brings people together and helps promote fitness, friendship, and fun throughout the year.
News in Brief: Lemont Pickleball Community Growth
Lemont’s pickleball players fill indoor and outdoor courts year-round. People of all ages, including some in their 90s, enjoy the sport. The park district is expanding courts after voter approval in 2024. The game is popular in Lemont and surrounding towns, supported by regular play and park memberships.