Pickleball Fun in Gonvick

Pickleball started as a six-week class at the Clear Water Life Center in Gonvick but quickly became an addiction for players who continue to meet to play each week.

While pickleball has been around since the 1960’s, not everyone has had the opportunity to become familiar with the sport. Pickleball is similar to badminton and tennis. It is played on a court with a net. A plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, is hit across the net with a paddle. The game can be played by singles or doubles. Pickleball is relatively easy to learn, making it popular with people of all ages.

The pickleball class was offered this past September to introduce the sport to local residents. Because pickleball has been so popular, the game continues to be played each Monday from 11:00 to 12:00 p.m. While Monday is the officially scheduled game time, some of the players also meet at the Life Center at the same time on Wednesdays and Fridays. The gym is open to walkers during these same times.

The Gonvick-area players lift up the opportunity to get exercise as one of the appeals of the game.

“It’s a better workout than I thought,” Sue Dalager, a relative new-comer to the group stated.

“It’s just fun!” is the reason Mike Mason enjoys the pickleball group.

While many of the enthusiastic players have already purchased their own pickleball paddles, all of the equipment for the game is available for use for those who want to try the game. A “spectator section” has also been set up with chairs and tables for those who would like to watch the game and drink coffee.

Those who are interested in a fun way to get exercise are welcome to join the pickleball group on Monday mornings at the Clear Waters Life Center in Gonvick.