Mahaska County Y Adds Pickleball to the Mix

A pick up game of 'Pickleball' at the Mahaska County YMCA (photo submitted)

Oskaloosa, February 15, 2012 – Members of the Mahaska County YMCA can now add Pickleball to their list of favorite sports at the Y. With pick-up games increasing in demand in recent weeks at the Y gym, fans of the sport have set the facility abuzz. By utilizing the badminton lines already in place at the YMCA, Pickleball players combine the rules of tennis and ping pong, with the perforated plastic ball, wood or composite paddles, and three foot high net of Pickleball, to get an extraordinary sport that everyone can enjoy.

Sports Director Ryan Harkema said, “Pickleball is a sport that is easy for beginners to learn, but also one that can develop into a fast-paced, competitive matchup for experienced players. Whether playing for fun or to get those competitive juices flowing, Pickleball is great for staying healthy and active.” When Pickleball began outside of Seattle, Washington back in 1965, the founders were looking for a fun way for their families to stay engaged. One of the families credited for introducing the game had a cocker spaniel named Pickles who frequently ran off with the ball. No one blamed him, however, because the families were using Pickle’s ball, and the new sport was born.

YMCA members are welcome to play Pickleball. “We have a loose group of up to eight people coming at 1 pm almost every day to play,” said Dawn Collins, Executive Director. “There is no extra fee to play. Members are learning the sport and plan to start a league once we have enough people who are interested. Just show up and play. Everyone is welcome.”

If you are interested in the game of Pickleball, or would like to know about any of the other sports programs that the Mahaska County YMCA has to offer, please contact Ryan Harkema at 641.673.8411. More information about the YMCA can also be found at www.mahaskaYMCA.org, or stop by the Y today at 414 North 3rd Street in Oskaloosa.