Pickleball Passion Spreads in Woodward: Pickleball has surged into a unique and vibrant position within USA sports, steadily gaining popularity and driving demand for dedicated facilities across the country. Oklahoma, in particular, has embraced this dynamic sport with enthusiasm. Antonio Lares, a respected instructor from Oklahoma City’s Chicken N Pickle, is bringing his expertise to Woodward, courtesy of local pickleball advocate Kathryn Fanning. Their efforts aim to expand interest in pickleball, a versatile paddle sport combining elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, as they prepare for a clinic at Crystal Beach Sports Complex on July 13.
Antonio Lares, a seasoned pickleball instructor hailing from Chicken N Pickle in Oklahoma City, is set to make his mark in Woodward, courtesy of local pickleball aficionado Kathryn Fanning..
Fanning, inspired by her own experiences learning from Lares, is eager to introduce more people to this dynamic paddle sport, which blends elements of tennis, table tennis, and badminton, as described on Elite Sports Club’s website.
On July 13, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Lares will lead a pickleball clinic at Crystal Beach Sports Complex, followed by opportunities for private lessons. Fanning emphasizes the inclusivity of Woodward’s pickleball community, welcoming players of all ages and backgrounds. The group here in Woodward meets multiple times during the week and encourages players of all ages to join, she mentioned.
Initially skeptical, Lana Edwards, a lifelong tennis player, quickly found herself hooked on pickleball’s fast-paced action.
“I thought it was kind of a sissy sport to begin with, But it soon became addicting and I love the sport.” – (Lana Edwards)
Other Pickleball Venues in Oklahoma
- Scissortail Park: Four outdoor concrete courts available at the venue, each have permanent lines and nets. Reservations can be made for these courts, which are equipped with light for extended play, These facilities are free to use.
- Tandy Family YMCA: At Tandy Family YMCA in Tulsa, OK, you’ll find two indoor wood courts. They are equipped with taped lines and portable nets. Access to these courts requires a membership.
- Haikey Creek Park: Haikey Creek Park stands as one of Broken Arrow, OK’s premier pickleball destinations. It boasts six outdoor hard courts, each equipped with permanent lines and nets. The facility offers convenient amenities such as restrooms, water access, and lighting. Best of all, these courts are available for use free of charge.
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Parkview Baptist Church: arkview Baptist Church in Tulsa, OK features three indoor courts with permanent lines and portable nets available. These courts are exclusively available for private use
News in Brief: Pickleball Passion Spreads in Woodward
Pickleball is gaining prominence in the USA, with Oklahoma showing particular enthusiasm through various venues like Crystal Beach Sports Complex and Parkview Baptist Church. Antonio Lares, from Chicken N Pickle in Oklahoma City, is set to lead a clinic in Woodward, supported by Kathryn Fanning, promoting the sport’s dynamic appeal.
The community welcomes players of all ages, echoing Lana Edwards’ initial skepticism turned passion for the game. Other notable venues across Oklahoma include Scissortail Park, Tandy Family YMCA in Tulsa, Haikey Creek Park in Broken Arrow, and Parkview Baptist Church, each offering unique facilities to accommodate pickleball enthusiasts.
