About seven years after it was first introduced in Henry County, pickleball has picked up significantly in popularity.
The program was begun in 2015 by the Henry County Parks and Recreation Department to give local residents exposure to this unique combination of badminton, tennis and ping-pong. Now, about 30-50 players a day take to the courts four days a week at Fairview Recreation Center or J.P. Moseley Recreation Center.

According to HCPRD officials, the sport was created in 1965 by a former U.S. congressman and two of his friends. It got its name from a recollection of a pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.

The sport is gaining momentum because everyone can play and it has a fun and lightweight gaming style, according to HCPRD’s Peggy Hesselbach.

“We have people come in and play that are all ages. It is a sport that anyone can play,” she said. “Pickleball is the first sport a lot of our players have participated in. It has also taken off as a sport because of the low impact it has on the knees and back.”

Lynette Sweat has been playing since 2016 and hasn’t stopped since she walked her first lap at J.P. Moseley.

“When I retired from teaching, I was searching for something to do with my time,” said Sweat. “Upon joining the recreation center, I was walking on the track upstairs one day, looked down, and said I can do that. It is an addictive sport once you begin playing. It is also a great way to exercise.”

Lessons are offered Mondays at Fairview and Tuesday-Friday at J.P. Moseley from 8:30-9 a.m. with an open playing session immediately following until 1 p.m. Participation is free if a player is a member of the gym and is $3 for non-members.

“All are welcome to participate,” said Hesselbach.

For more information on Henry County Parks and Recreation, visit hcprd.org.