Pickleball Fun Awaits in Cottage Grove: Rain or shine, the pickleball courts at Coiner Park in Cottage Grove are a hub of activity, drawing pickleball players of all ages. The sport, often described as a combination of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, is capturing the hearts of locals and fostering a sense of community. Connie Pifer, a local pickleball instructor and organizer, emphasizes the social aspect of the game, stating,
“Pickleball is all about community, that is the attraction in lots of ways. It is played on a small court so you can’t help but to get to know people. Pickleball is usually played in a doubles format, the object is to score 11 points by creating shots that cause errors for the opposing team. The best way to describe it sometimes is “mini tennis, big ping pong.” – (Connie Pifer)
This vibrant local scene is a testament to the sport’s rapid growth, with the Grover Pickleball group boasting over 100 members. The pickleball court’s popularity has also led to discussions about the necessity for new facilities to accommodate the expanding player base.
Currently, Grover pickleball players enjoy open play at Coiner Park multiple times a week, with additional opportunities for indoor play at Riverside Community Church when weather conditions force them indoors.
“As we grow the need for new courts is becoming more necessary. Currently the Grover Pickleball players have open play at Coiner Park on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday, mornings and Tuesday evenings. We have the luxury of playing inside when the weather chases us indoors at Riverside Community Church.” – (Connie Pifer)
Nearby Eugene offers even more options, with local groups actively expanding their pickleball programs. Connie Pifer highlights the competitive nature of the sport, noting,
“The local teams compete locally and regionally and there are many tournaments that players can participate in and those are more frequent as the sport grows.” – (Connie Pifer)
This competitive spirit is further fueled by a recent fundraiser aimed at raising funds for the Emerald Valley Pickleball Foundation, which is planning to build 24 new pickleball courts on the Lane Community College campus, providing even more opportunities for players to engage in their favorite sport.
“We hope to break ground in the spring. More courts means more opportunity for community.” – (Connie Pifer)
Addressing Safety Concerns in Pickleball
As pickleball’s popularity surges, so does the incidence of injuries associated with the sport. Connie Pifer notes that knee and shoulder issues, along with strains and sprains, are becoming more common as players become engrossed in the game. The excitement of joining friends on the pickleball court often leads players to neglect warm-up routines, which can increase the risk of injury.
“Injuries are also popping up more frequently, mostly knee and shoulder issues, strains and sprains. As an instructor, I like to preach about actively warming up our bodies before we play. We are so excited to get on the courts and be with our friends that we forget to warmup our muscles. New players have to be particularly conscience of the shape that they are in and that they are preforming new movements their bodies may not be used to.” – (Connie Pifer)
Recognizing the importance of preparation, experts like Dr. Ryan Golden, assistant chief of urgent care at Kaiser Permanente Northwest, advise players to be aware of potential risks.
“While pickleball is a fantastic way to stay active and socialize, it’s important to recognize the potential for injury, especially as the sport gains momentum. Common injuries we see related to pickleball include bone fractures and eye injuries, with some studies suggesting a correlation between the size of the pickleball and the risk of eye injuries.” – (Dr. Ryan Golden)
Dr. Christopher Wu, a sports and internal medicine physician, shows the importance of proper warm-ups, recommending dynamic stretching exercises to prepare players’ bodies for the physical demands of the game.
“If you have medical conditions that involve the heart or the lungs and you haven’t really been active leading up to this venture into pickleball, it would be a good idea to see your primary doctor to make sure that everything is optimized for you to pick up some new physical activity. It’s really dependent patient to patient on what medical conditions they have and the level of activity prior to getting into the sport.” – (Dr. Christopher Wu)
By prioritizing safety and engaging in adequate preparation, players can enjoy the thrill of pickleball while minimizing the risk of injury.
“It’s more dynamic movements where you’re moving and not just standing in one spot and stretching one specific muscle, making sure that you’re adequately warmed up. It’s always a good idea to have a few drops of sweat on your forehead before you actually get into that first match, so you know that your body is warm and ready to go.” – (Dr. Christopher Wu)
News in Brief: Pickleball Fun Awaits in Cottage Grove
Pickleball’s rising popularity at Coiner Park in Cottage Grove is bringing players of all ages together, fostering community bonds. Local pickleball instructor Connie Pifer emphasizes the sport’s social and competitive nature, with regular games and growing interest in more pickleball courts.
As the sport expands, safety concerns are also emerging, with injuries like knee and shoulder strains becoming more common. Experts, including Dr. Ryan Golden and Dr. Christopher Wu, stress the importance of proper warm-ups and medical precautions to prevent injuries. Plans for new pickleball courts, including 24 at Lane Community College, reflect pickleball’s continued growth in the region.
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