Last May, the Paoli Community Park Board made the decision to remove the skate park to invite a new group who will utilize the area. To make better use of the park’s unused skate area, Park Director David Grimes decided to take the idea of converting the space to a pickleball court to the Building Corporation, which owns the park, and the Town Council for approval.

Pickleball, first invented on Bainbridge Island in Washington State in 1965 by three dads trying to entertain their children, combines elements from
tennis, ping-pong, and badminton all into one game. The game is played singles or doubles on a court that looks like a tennis court but smaller. Instead of tennis rackets, players use paddles and a plastic ball.

“The skate park at the community park was barely used. Due to its location, kids couldn’t walk to this park. The town has another skate park at JayCee Park, so we chose to add pickleball as a way to better utilize the space,” said Grimes.

The idea was brought up first by citizens who visited the park often and were searching for a place to play. Grimes researched the sport and supervised the installation of the court. From start to finish, installing the court took about four months. This includes planning, approval, painting and post-installation.

“So far, people have used the pickleball courts every day since they opened,” said Grimes.

Outside of PHS, both teachers and students enjoy playing pickleball in their free time. Junior Josh Zapien is one of many students who have found enjoyment in the sport. Zapien, a member of the school’s tennis team, began playing pickleball two years ago after he and his siblings got it for Christmas. The sport’s similarity to tennis and its flexibility are Zapien’s favorite parts.

“You can decide to play slow and easy or try to play at a faster pace, it’s your choice,” said Zapien.

Eighth Grade Social Studies Teacher Aaron Reckelhoff has also been playing the sport for about two years with a group in Jasper at a local park. Reckelhoff enjoys pickleball because of the aspects of tennis and ping pong that are incorporated into pickleball.

“I would encourage anyone looking to play pickleball to give it a try. Pickleball is a sport that can be fun even if you have little to no experience with the game,” said Reckelhoff.

Physical Education Teacher Summer Hudelson also shared she enjoys the sport and has played it before. Hudelson first played pickleball two years ago and plays with her family in a garage. Hudelson enjoys the sport because anyone, at any age, can play and you can be as competitive or non-competitive as you want. Hudelson has also incorporated pickleball into her gym classes.

“It has become a popular sport all over the United States. It can also be played by anyone at any level. It’s something different and I thought kids would enjoy it,” said Hudelson

This story was originally published on PHS Media News on October 6, 2023.