New club to use county park and rec. courts
An increasingly popular sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong will soon be played in two local clubs that welcome new members.
Pickleball is still a relatively new addition to Gilmer County’s recreational options, but it’s quickly become an outdoor and indoor pastime for many here, confirmed Cathy Anderson, a volunteer ambassador for the U.S.A. Pickleball Association.
Anderson moved here from Cobb County, where she was previously a pickleball ambassador for that national organization.Her responsibilities include educating the public about the sport and teaching it to new players.
“Gilmer County has been playing pickleball for a few years, and I played in Pickens quite often before Gilmer opened up. Right now, it’s growing by leaps and bounds,” said Anderson. “It’s a great sport for all ages. It’s probably the friendliest sport I’ve ever seen.”
An active pickleball club was started at Victory Christian Center in September, and a second local club will soon be opened in cooperation with Gilmer Parks and Recreation.
The club at Victory Christian currently welcomes players to the multipurpose facility for open play on three indoor courts Wednesday nights and Saturday mornings. A pickleball clinic for new and aspiring players is held prior to the Wednesday open play sessions from 5-6 p.m.
“We’ve had a tremendous amount of new people learning the game. They can learn the rules, how to hit, etc.,” said club member Danny Boes. “We have all different types of people who play. Some are younger and some are older. Some are brand new, while others have been playing a long time. They teach each other.”
Boes, also formerly of Cobb County, said he used to play tennis years ago, but later took up pickleball after his brother in California introduced him to the sport.
“I play it for recreation and camaraderie with other people. You meet a lot of really nice people and people my age who like playing. It’s a competitive thing, but it also generates a lot of friendships,” he said.
Boes said the game is generally easier to learn than tennis, and also easier on the joints.
“It’s a smaller court, so it’s easier on your knees. You don’t run as far because you normally play doubles. There’s still a lot of challenge as far as getting good at it,” he added.
Approximately 30 players have joined the Victory Christian club, which will end its first season in December. A new season will open in January, and club dues are $30 per season.
“When the weather changes and the new season starts, it will be cold out and we may see more (people join),” said Anderson.
Outdoor pickleball courts at River Park have been getting plenty of use since opening last year, confirmed Kevan White, Gilmer Parks and Recreation director.
“There have been as many as 50 people playing on Saturday morning,” White said.
Pickleball can also be played inside the neighboring Gilmer County Civic Center when bad weather prevents the outdoor courts from being used.
“A lot of people ask us about it. (They want to know), ‘What are they playing?’” White said.
The soon-to-be active county pickleball club will use the park and rec. courts during designated club hours.
“It’s a way for everybody to socialize and enjoy the club. That way, we can set aside times for them just like we do for the tennis club,” White said.
An optional $5 fee will cover insurance for club members, Anderson noted.
“You don’t have to be a club member to play. You just have to abide by the rules of the club during club hours,” she added.
Anderson said she’s received a lot of interest since announcing formation of the new pickleball club, and she’s currently working on an official logo.
White said the new club could start playing as soon as this week.
“U.S.A. Pickleball will give us a huge banner to keep on the courts down there,” Anderson said.
Boes is happy to see pickleball catching on so quickly here.
“Victory Christian Center and Kevan, with park and rec., have been very supportive of us. It’s been very well received here in Gilmer County,” he said.
Boes also spoke well of the new park and rec. courts, which are dedicated to the memory of Bill Keener, who was an avid park and rec. volunteer.
“A lot of people will get an outside firm to do that, but the county did those (courts) themselves. They did a fantastic job on them,” he added.