MONROE - If you've never played or even heard of the sport of pickleball, don't feel bad. A new offering from the Monroe Parks and Recreation department will give local residents a chance to learn about and take part in the sport.
When the tennis courts at Twining Park are resurfaced this month, additional lines will be added to make them functional as both tennis and pickleball courts.
The idea was the brainchild of park board member Brian Saugstad, who has played pickleball in Janesville and suggested bringing the game to Monroe.
"It's been over the last year that I brought it up to the Park department and the board," Saugstad said. "Eventually, once Twining needed to be resurfaced, it really started to snowball because it wouldn't cost anymore to get the courts."
Pickleball is a racquet sport and contains some elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The pickleball court is about one-third the size of a tennis court with a similarly sized net. As opposed to a racquet with strings, pickleball is played with a hard paddle. The pickleball itself is similar to a wiffle ball. Since the game is played in a smaller area and the ball moves slower, Saugstad said that pickleball is a game that can be played by all ages.
"I've been going over to Janesville and playing it. It's a great way to get some exercise. It's a sport that can be played by all ages and is gaining popularity, especially with seniors," he said.
Those interested in pickleball can attend an informational meeting that has been tentatively planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Twining Park tennis courts. Saugstad said there aren't any plans to form an official league at this point, but he hopes to get a group going.
"Anybody can come and anybody can play. There won't be a league, just an informal group that will gather," Saugstad said. "We're hoping that once people come and see it they will let people know about it and bring more people."
Saugstad added that the Parks department anticipates the courts will be resurfaced and ready for pickleball by June 20.
In addition to information about the sport, a sales rep will be on hand at the meeting for anyone interested in buying equipment. The Parks and Rec department has also purchased some equipment that will be available to the public.
"There will be a box with the supplies at the park. If they contact Park and Rec to pick up the key, they can check it out and play. There will be some paddles and balls, as well as some auxiliary nets," Saugstad.
When the tennis courts at Twining Park are resurfaced this month, additional lines will be added to make them functional as both tennis and pickleball courts.
The idea was the brainchild of park board member Brian Saugstad, who has played pickleball in Janesville and suggested bringing the game to Monroe.
"It's been over the last year that I brought it up to the Park department and the board," Saugstad said. "Eventually, once Twining needed to be resurfaced, it really started to snowball because it wouldn't cost anymore to get the courts."
Pickleball is a racquet sport and contains some elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. The pickleball court is about one-third the size of a tennis court with a similarly sized net. As opposed to a racquet with strings, pickleball is played with a hard paddle. The pickleball itself is similar to a wiffle ball. Since the game is played in a smaller area and the ball moves slower, Saugstad said that pickleball is a game that can be played by all ages.
"I've been going over to Janesville and playing it. It's a great way to get some exercise. It's a sport that can be played by all ages and is gaining popularity, especially with seniors," he said.
Those interested in pickleball can attend an informational meeting that has been tentatively planned for 6:30 p.m. Thursday, June 20, at the Twining Park tennis courts. Saugstad said there aren't any plans to form an official league at this point, but he hopes to get a group going.
"Anybody can come and anybody can play. There won't be a league, just an informal group that will gather," Saugstad said. "We're hoping that once people come and see it they will let people know about it and bring more people."
Saugstad added that the Parks department anticipates the courts will be resurfaced and ready for pickleball by June 20.
In addition to information about the sport, a sales rep will be on hand at the meeting for anyone interested in buying equipment. The Parks and Rec department has also purchased some equipment that will be available to the public.
"There will be a box with the supplies at the park. If they contact Park and Rec to pick up the key, they can check it out and play. There will be some paddles and balls, as well as some auxiliary nets," Saugstad.
