Kim Werner prepares to return a serve during a demonstration game at the grand opening of the new pickleball court in Russells Point on Saturday, Oct. 21. (EXAMINER PHOTO | SHARYN KOPF)
Though it’s been in use for a couple months, the new pickleball court in Russells Point had its grand opening on Saturday, Oct. 21. The court, which is located on State Route 708, just south of U.S. Route 33, provides a fun combination of exercise and entertainment that attracts people of all ages.
“It’s meant to be an easier game,” Charlie Strete, who helped plan the event, told the people gathered on the court Saturday morning. “It’s slower than ping pong; not as much running as tennis.”
As a result, he has seen people from under 10 to into their 80s taking turns at the game. The racket and court are smaller than what you’d use for tennis, and the balls have holes in it so they handle well outdoors regardless of windy conditions. Similar to wiffle balls only more durable.
The game, according to Strete, is seen as more of a recreational activity than a competitive one. Players take turns by lining up their paddles, then fill in by replacing whoever lost the most recent game. The winning team is the first to reach 11 with a two-point lead.
Don Wright, a Russells Point resident and avid pickleball player, said the hardest part is remembering the names of other players.
“You meet new people and don’t care who you’re playing with or who wins,” he said.
According to Joan Hinterschied, who’s on the village board and head of the parks and recreation department, the court was paid for thanks to a portion of a $750,000 community block development grant Logan County received.
Next up, Hinterschied said, the village is working on raising the money needed to put in a splash pad at the same park, which is next to the village municipal building. So far they have received $10,000 toward their $200,000 goal.