Pickleball Community Revival at Davis Wade Park: A local pickleball group has resumed playing at Davis Wade Park after Hurricane Helene disrupted their normal routine. The group, which usually meets in the morning, welcomes both longtime players and newcomers, creating a community built on fun, fitness, and friendship.
Joining the Group
The group once played at Wheeler Park and Davis Wade Park but now gathers only at Davis Wade since the storm. For months, some residents joked about the group being hard to join, but recent invitations have made it easier for new players to get involved.
Last Sunday, a resident was invited at church to join the group. Though mornings are usually busy, Friday provided the first chance to play. To sign up, he downloaded the Play Time app, where local pickleball games are posted, and registered for the match.
Experience on the Court
The new player had not played in more than a year, though he used to play regularly in 2023 with his younger son and his son’s friends. He admitted that his tennis background helped him adjust.
“Before I played pickleball, I made fun of the game,” he said. “I wasn’t being all that serious about it — it was just another way to jab at my friends who played. But once I stepped on the court and started playing, I found that it was a lot of fun.”
The morning included rotating partners, moving courts, and connecting with familiar faces not seen in some time. Despite not owning a paddle, he borrowed one and played three games.
Fun and Fellowship
Players reminded newcomers that while the group is welcoming, the game itself is competitive. The mix of camaraderie and seriousness helps create a balance between fellowship and strong competition.
“It really is in many ways a condensed version of tennis,” he said. “And like most sports that we play as we age, it’s often more about the friendship and the camaraderie than it is about the actual sport itself.”
His partners were patient with mistakes, laughing and joking to keep the games lighthearted. “They took my miscues in stride,” he said.
Looking Ahead
After the first outing, the player plans to buy a paddle and return. The group encourages new participants and points interested players toward the Play Time app to find matches.
“They like new faces,” he said. “If you’re so inclined, download the Play Time app and join the fun. You will be glad you did.”
News in Brief: Pickleball Community Revival at Davis Wade Park
A local pickleball group now meets at Davis Wade Park after Hurricane Helene. Using the Play Time app, new players can join matches. A newcomer played three games last Friday, borrowing a paddle, and said the group mixes competition with friendship. He plans to buy equipment and keep returning.
ALSO READ: Debate Grows Over Plans for New Pickleball Courts in Mountain View