by MaryAnne Block
Pickleball has become so popular for many age groups that because of its growing popularity St. Joseph will build three outdoor pickleball courts this upcoming summer at Millstream Park.
“In the fall of 2022, we opened the Kennedy Community School one evening a week for pickleball,” said St. Joseph Parks and Recreation Director Rhonda Juell. “It was so popular this fall (2023) we expanded to four sessions each week, and interest continues to grow.”
Nearly 60 years old, the low-impact game was created by three dads in 1965 in the state of Washington as a summer game for their bored children to play outside. Pickleball is a blend of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. The 20-foot by 44-foot court is divided with a 34-inch high net.
Most of the St. Joseph area players in October were in the 30-50 age range, but anyone is welcome, younger or older. The game is a good way to meet new friends and encourage family bonding.
In the fall, the games moved from outdoor courts at Waite Park into Kennedy Community School every Monday and Wednesday evening from 6-8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday mornings are also open-court at Kennedy from 8 a.m.-noon.
Players of all ages come from St. Joseph, Sartell, Avon, Sauk Rapids, Waite Park and St. Cloud during the winter.
Ruben Zayas of Sartell said he started playing pickleball at first, just to please his wife.
“She wanted me to try this with her when we were in Arizona visiting,” he said. “I just went along to humor her because I thought it would be so boring. I have been playing now a year and a half, and we both really enjoy it. Sometimes we go separately, other times we play together. I play several times a week.”
Anyone can just show up – no membership required. The six indoor courts at Kennedy are open during the winter. The cost is $2 per person each day that person plays. Players bring their own equipment.
Juell said the new outdoor courts will be at Millstream Park in the horseshoe area. Since that area is not being used, three outdoor pickleball courts will be built, with the option to create another three courts if the demand continues to grow.
Rhonda Juell, St. Joseph Parks and Recreation director, plans activities for all ages throughout the year. Activities for adults, youth, toddlers, seniors and even volunteers can find a lot to choose from by checking www.cityofstjoseph web site and opening the “Parks and Recreation” tab.
