Mahaska County YMCA Grows Pickleball Interest
Mahaska County YMCA Picketball (submitted image)
Oskaloosa, April 18, 2014 – Pickleball fanatics have been seeing an increase in action over the last few months at the Mahaska County YMCA, as more and more players have begun catching ‘Pickleball fever.’ The sport began nearly 50 years ago outside of Seattle, Washington in 1965, when the game’s creators found themselves looking for a fun way for their families to interact. One of the individuals credited for introducing the sport had a cocker spaniel named Pickles, who frequently ran off with the ball. Naming this new phenomenon seemed logical enough, as the families were using Pickle’s ball, and the sport has grown ever since.
Using a vinyl-outlined court very similar to badminton lines, the YMCA has two full Pickleball courts established in its gym. With the quick addition of one of several portable net systems available through the front desk, a game can be setup and begun in a matter of minutes. Very similar to table tennis and tennis in rules, both balls and paddles are also available for quick check-out with member services staff. All YMCA members and guests are welcome to play as gym scheduling allows, with standing games at 1pm Monday-Friday, and both members and employees regularly participating in the evening hours. Executive Director Dawn Collins explained, “Pickleball at the Mahaska County YMCA has continued to grow in popularity ever since its introduction several years ago. Recently, we had a group of players decide to hold their own tournament on a Saturday morning in April. The feedback from all involved was positive, and we hope future Pickleball events will become even bigger.”
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.
