College Park Pickleball Social Sports: Some residents of College Park will soon be able to join pickleball games at the University of Maryland through the Terrapin Social Sports program, which is adding pickleball teams in mid-July. This effort is supported by a city subsidy that gives residents 50% off registration fees.
Julie Johnson, assistant director for intramural sports at the University of Maryland and the Reckord Armory, confirmed the launch of the new pickleball teams. This is part of a program that focuses more on fun and community rather than competition.
Discounts Make Play More Affordable
The City of College Park has set aside $30,000 to support local participation. This budget helps residents pay only half the price to register for sports activities at the university. Playing pickleball through the program normally costs $50.
College Park Communications and Events Manager Ryna Quiñones said,
“We’re happy to help reduce the barriers, to encourage our residents to not only meet their neighbors, but kind of engage in these fun and active activities.
The other thing is that the University of Maryland has such wonderful facilities, and I think it’s amazing that our residents can utilize them.”
Program Structure and Future Plans
The pickleball teams will play on Wednesday and Thursday evenings. The games are managed by referees who also work during the university’s school year. Teams do not have coaches.
Participants can sign up with a full team or join as free agents to be added to an existing team. Julie Johnson said,
“There’s a possibility that we’ll add flag football in future years. There’s possibilities for basketball in future years. We have a lot of leeway in what we offer because we have great facilities here on campus that we can use.”
Focus on Fitness and Community
Pickleball is growing in popularity, and city leaders believe it offers more than just a game. College Park City Councilmember John Rigg, who plays volleyball through the same program, said,
Anything that gets people out and moving their bodies is a good thing. It also helps to bring together residents in the local area of College Park and other surrounding jurisdictions. … Team sports are a great way of building community.”
News in Brief: College Park Pickleball Social Sports
College Park residents can join pickleball games this July at the University of Maryland with a 50% registration discount. The games will be held weekly and are part of the Terrapin Social Sports program, which aims to promote fitness and community. Players can join teams or sign up as individuals.
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