The NSC has been testing out open court pickleball hours over the last few weeks, and it’s proving to be very popular.
“I know there’s quite a few outdoor courts in Blaine for the summer, but there hadn’t been much offerings for the winter time,” said Sara Soli, communications director for the National Sports Center. “ I think it’s a way for the players to continue to be active during these cold months.”
Soli says it’s a sport that’s easy to start and easy to learn, but the simple learning curve isn’t always why people start playing.
“I do think it is a social connection. You get to do something with a friend or make new friends,” said Soli.
That is especially true for the Pierce Street pickleballers. They are a group of neighbors who’ve played together for years.
“We all moved into the same block in between 2017 and 2019, and I had played pickleball prior to moving in and I got or the group organized to play pickleball,” said Char Depew.
There’s twelve people in their group, and four of them came to the NSC to try out the courts. In the summer they play at Hidden Ponds Park in Blaine and they were excited to have an indoor opportunity close to home.
Depew thinks pickleball is a friendly social sport for that anyone can play.
“Everybody’s in a good mood and it’s a quick game,” said Depew. “We just kid around and just have such a good time.”
The pickleball schedule for January isn’t set just yet, but Sara Soli said that it will likely be offered three times a week. It will cost $6 per session or $50 for 10 sessions.
