Pickleball Community in Clay Center: Pickleball is quickly growing in Clay Center, offering a fun and social way to exercise for all ages. The sport combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong. Local players meet regularly at Dexter Park to play singles and doubles games, and newcomers are welcome to join.
Local Group Brings Players Together
Gloria Fowles, an avid pickleball player, created the Facebook group Clay Center KS Pickleball to connect players. “My goal was to get more people in Clay County to learn and enjoy the game, and to have enough people to play regularly,” Fowles said.
Playing Schedule and Equipment
The group meets at Dexter Park, weather permitting, with sessions on Wednesday and Friday mornings and Sunday, Tuesday, and Thursday evenings. Extra paddles and balls are available, and additional nets can be set up to allow more games at once. Times vary, and players can sign up on playtimescheduler.com.
Why Pickleball Appeals to Everyone
Fowles explained the game’s accessibility: “What began primarily as a game for older adults has spread to families, kids, and teenagers. Kids find it simple to learn, teenagers and adults enjoy the fun and competition, and older adults find it less taxing on their bodies.”
Social and Health Benefits
Beyond competition, the game encourages socializing and exercise. Fowles said, “I really enjoy the sport. It’s the only activity for exercise I have found that I look forward to doing. It’s fun to socialize as well as play, and I have enjoyed spending time with friends and meeting new people from the area.” She added, “Although we are a competitive group, we also believe in having fun while playing. It has been great to see everyone improve their skills over the years.”
Overall, pickleball in Clay Center offers a healthy, social, and enjoyable activity for the whole community. Anyone is welcome to watch or join in.
News in Brief: Pickleball Community in Clay Center
Pickleball is growing fast in Clay Center, Kansas. Gloria Fowles leads the Clay Center KS Pickleball group at Dexter Park, hosting sessions several times a week. The game is easy to learn, fun for all ages, and encourages exercise and socializing. Equipment is available for newcomers, and sign-ups are on playtimescheduler.com.