Pickleball in Hattiesburg: Pickleball, a sport that combines the fast-paced elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, has gained significant traction in Hattiesburg, particularly among college students. Its easy-to-learn rules and short game durations make it a favorite among players of all ages. Whether played indoors or outdoors, pickleball offers a chance for quick, enjoyable exercise—ideal for those balancing busy schedules.
A College Student’s New Favorite Game
For Tyler Threatt, a junior at the University of Southern Mississippi, pickleball was an easy decision. She joined her friends, who had already fallen in love with the sport, and quickly saw its benefits. “I wanted to start playing pickleball because all my friends were playing, so I decided to give it a try, and now we all go two to three times a week, and it is really great exercise,” Threatt shared.
- Social Activity: Pickleball offers a social experience, with many younger players enjoying the chance to engage in a friendly and competitive atmosphere.
- Convenient Playtimes: The sport is an easy fit for students’ schedules, with games that typically last between 15 and 45 minutes.
Threatt also noted the growing popularity of the sport, especially among younger people, and the positive impact it’s had on encouraging outdoor activity.
Expanding Access to Courts
As pickleball’s popularity continues to surge in Hattiesburg, the city is responding by increasing access to pickleball facilities. Betsy Mercier, the city’s director of parks and recreation, explained, “We are continuing to develop pickleball courts around Hattiesburg to keep up with the demand.”
- Growing Pickleball Facilities: Hattiesburg currently boasts four courts at Kamper Park, one at Ebenezer Baptist Church, eight at Lamar County, and five at David H. Anthony Leisure Park.
- Access for All: Some courts are available for public use, while others may require fees or membership.
Mercier emphasized the sport’s broad appeal, noting that pickleball is growing in popularity across all age groups. “It is a great amenity for all ages, and it is becoming more popular with the younger generations, but also popular with the retirement community since it is a low-impact sport,” Mercier said. “We see people out here playing from sunup to sundown.”
A Low-Impact Sport for Health and Well-Being
Pickleball has quickly become a go-to fitness activity, not just for its social aspects, but for its health benefits as well. Its low-impact nature makes it ideal for people of all ages, including retirees who are looking for a fun way to stay active. The sport provides aerobic exercise that strengthens the heart, improves circulation, and enhances overall cardiovascular health.
- Physical Health: Regular play improves endurance, cardiovascular health, and muscle strength.
- Mental Well-Being: The exercise also provides mental health benefits, boosting mood through the release of endorphins.
As highlighted by Ari Cofer in a May 2023 UW Medicine article, aerobic exercises like pickleball strengthen the heart and improve circulation, which helps pump blood more efficiently to muscles. Pickleball’s combination of physical activity and social engagement offers a holistic approach to health.
News in Brief: Pickleball in Hattiesburg
Pickleball’s popularity is skyrocketing in Hattiesburg, with college students and retirees alike flocking to courts across the city. As demand grows, the city is expanding its pickleball facilities, offering more courts at local parks. The sport’s appeal lies in its low-impact nature and health benefits, making it suitable for all ages. Players enjoy the social aspects, the opportunity for exercise, and the outdoor fun, making pickleball a favorite choice for staying active in Hattiesburg.
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