Pickleball proliferating in Delaware and throughout nation

Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the nation, and Delmarva is part of the trend. Shown at Lewes Canalfront Park, 16 people are on the courts and 11 more are waiting.

With cooler weather arriving along with a high demand for year-round play, pickleball games are now taking place inside at the old Lewes High School on Savannah Road as well as at Millsboro Middle School, the Boys & Girls Club in Milford, Ocean Pines and Delaware State University.

This September, Delaware Senior Olympics held a two-day tournament at DSU. Players from throughout Delaware and five other states participated. Numerous tournaments for all ages have been held this year at universities and other venues throughout the Mid-Atlantic.

Pickleball in this area is mostly played on modified tennis courts, but there are communities considering permanent pickleball courts. A retirement community in Florida called The Villages has built more than 130 pickleball courts, and the demand keeps increasing. Pickleball is played with a perforated plastic baseball (similar to a Wiffle ball) and wood or composite paddles. It is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players. Those interested in learning more should contact June Fortney at 302-227-9219 or Georgia Bilger at 302-644-9693.