All about one of the fastest-growing sports and where to play it

If you’re looking for a new game to get your heart racing, pickleball might be the sport for you. Pickleball was invented in 1965 by three dads: Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum, whose kids were tired of their typical summer activities. Since the 1970s, pickleball has grown from a family pastime to a paddle-court sport with formalized rules. The fast-paced competition combines various elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It can be played indoors and outdoors on a badminton-size court and a slightly modified tennis net with a paddle and a Wiffle ball.

According to the USA Pickleball Association, pickleball has had a 650% increase in players over the last six years and has been incorporated into physical education. programs, parks and recreation centers, correctional facilities, camps, YMCAs, and retirement communities.

Where to Play:

[separator type=”thin”]

KELLY RECREATION COMPLEX

Outdoor and indoor courts are available. Outdoor courts are free, while indoor courts are $2 per person per session. No reservations are necessary, and paddles and balls are available for use.

404 Imperial Boulevard

Lakeland, FL 33803

[separator type=”thin”]

WOODLAKE PARK

Six unlighted pickleball courts are available for free from dawn to dusk.

3415 New Jersey Road

Lakeland, FL 33803