Pickleball at Mulberry Recreation Center in Lenoir

A 10-year-old boy, left, prepares to serve as Terry waits for the return.

LENOIR, NC (September 5, 2018) — Mulberry Recreation Center is now hosting pickleball games three days a week, and the program is free, and you don’t even have to bring your own paddle!

A pickleball group organized by local residents Tish and Terry worked with Parks and Recreation to bring pickleball to Mulberry Recreation Center.

A 10-year-old boy, left, prepares to serve as Terry waits for the return.

The group has been playing for several weeks now and wants to spread the word about the sport.

“It’s a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton played on a badminton-sized court,” Tish said. “It’s the fastest growing sport in the country. It’s been around since 1965, but in the past seven or eight years it has gained incredible popularity.”

Tish, right, waits for a serve as another player defends the other side of the court.

Pickleball is a paddle sport. It was designed to be played by the whole family, young and old. The game is easy to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.

The Mulberry group has equipment they can loan to first timers who want to try out the game.

“It’s a great way to get exercise and have fun and meet a lot of people,” Tish said. “You don’t know you’re exercising, you’re just out having fun.”

Mulberry Recreation Center hosts pickleball Monday, Wednesday, and Friday, from 9:00 to 11:00 a.m. in the gym.

Stop by, borrow a paddle, and give it a go. (Flat, soft-soled shoes required.)

Find out more at www.cityoflenoir.com/pickleball.

City of Lenoir