Tahlequah’s Pickleball Explosion: Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, has taken hold in Tahlequah, Oklahoma. The sport, which appeals to people of all ages, has been steadily gaining popularity in the community. In August 2022, there were only five players, but today, thanks to efforts from local groups and dedicated individuals, the sport is thriving.
A Community Effort to Grow the Sport
According to Lora Buechele, TSET Healthy Living Program Coordinator, the early efforts to boost pickleball in the area began with a small but committed group. “Through the TSET Healthy Living Program, we have been able to help grow the sport by creating the Tahlequah Pickleball Facebook page, engaging community stakeholders to create indoor opportunities to play, and working closely with the city of Tahlequah to foster infrastructure,” Buechele said. While the program provided resources and support, she emphasized that the true growth came from the community’s enthusiasm and passion for the sport. “We provided support and they fostered it through their love of pickleball.”
Pickleball’s Positive Impact on the Community
For many, pickleball has become more than just a game. Joe Russell, a doctor and active member of the Tahlequah Pickleball Facebook group, shared how the sport provides excellent exercise for people of all ages. “I get to play with all ages, from older adults in their 80s or 90s, to kids as young as 8 or 9,” Russell said. This broad appeal is one of the reasons why the sport has gained so much traction in the community.
Cindy Carter, a dedicated player, highlighted the physical benefits. After retiring, Carter was eager to get back into a sport, but her bad knees made racquetball impossible. “It’s also great for seniors to improve fitness, balance, and mental sharpness,” Carter said. Through regular play, she has also shed some weight, underscoring how the sport can improve health while still being fun. She plays five to six times a week, describing the sport as “addictive.”
Building Friendships Through Pickleball
Diane Weston, who has been playing pickleball for a year, reflected on the social aspects of the game. “I started playing because I was invited by a friend who played. The friend who invited me never showed up, but I made a whole lot of new friends I would have never met if it wasn’t for pickleball,” Weston said. The sport has not only provided physical benefits but has also helped her grow her social circle. Weston enjoys the challenge of learning a new game and appreciates how supportive the local group is for beginners. “People have different skill levels, so the Tahlequah group is good about helping new people learn, and are patient with those of us who aren’t that great,” Weston added.
A Family Affair: Pickleball Brings People Together
Joe Russell shared that pickleball has become a family affair for him. He and his wife started playing at the same time, and it has become the first paddle sport she truly enjoys.
“She will actually go and play without me when I am working, We have turned it into a family thing, and both of my kids and their significant others play. My mom, cousins, and both of my sisters play as well.”- JOE RUSELL
The Russell family has not only embraced the sport but also expanded its reach. Joe is starting a pickleball program at Grissom Elementary in Tulsa, with plans to introduce similar programs in Tahlequah schools.
Regular Meetups and Community Engagement
The sport’s rapid growth is evident in the number of players who regularly meet at local pickleball courts. Members of the Tahlequah Pickleball Facebook group coordinate meetups, with regular play happening at Kaufman Park on Saturdays beginning at 8:30 a.m. “Sometimes we have up to 20 people at the park,” Russell said. Pickleball enthusiasts also gather at Markoma Gym on Tuesdays from 10:30 a.m. to noon and Thursdays from 5 to 8 p.m. To participate, players must be a member of the Tahlequah Pickleball Facebook group, but they don’t have to be members of Markoma Gym.
News in Brief: Tahlequah’s Pickleball Explosion
Pickleball continues to thrive in Tahlequah, Oklahoma, with strong community support and a rapidly growing player base. What began with just five dedicated players in August 2022 has transformed into a vibrant, all-ages sport. Local groups, led by the TSET Healthy Living Program, have worked to foster this growth by providing resources and building infrastructure. Regular meetups at Kaufman Park and Markoma Gym highlight the sport’s popularity, with family members, seniors, and people of all skill levels participating.
ALSO READ: Thousand Oaks’ Premier Pickleball Courts Revealed: Which Courts Reign Supreme?