LOVELAND, Colo. — When Kathy & Rich Lawson moved to Loveland, they made a choice to be more active. And in the course of checking out the River’s Edge Park (Centennial Park) one day, they noticed people their age playing a game that looked like some kind of miniature tennis. Everybody was laughing and having fun; the game didn’t look super demanding.

And that was that! Rich says the game is addictive. “Pickleball ticks so many of the boxes we need at a certain age …  between games we talk, so much so, we characterize it as “Adult Recess.”

We play to 11 points then rotate partners and play again, chit-chatting; It’s not forced activity, or regulated, although there are only a few rules and some kind court etiquette to learn. Easy!

The social aspect appeals to everybody. There are different capabilities, and it is more fun to find someone at your level of play.

While players are visiting, they find out about other players’ heart surgery, cancer, Parkinson’s, or any number of other ailments. The pickleball community comes together – all everybody wants to do is get well and get back on the court!

Haven’t tried it yet??? Just show up at a court and experience it. You connect with people and be pulled into it the same as the Lawsons.

It is a good idea to take that first set of lessons; get to know rules and etiquette, so you can play effectively when you do get out there. Sure, some people do take it seriously, especially at competitive levels.

Loveland Parks & Rec maintains 12 outdoor pickleball courts with four courts located at Mehaffey Park, Centennial Park and Sunnyside Park. Osborn Park has a shared Tennis/Pickleball court. Up to four indoor courts are located inside Chilson Recreation Center.

Be sure to check out Loveland Pickleball Club (https://lovelandpickleballclub.com) and Loveland Parks & Rec (https://www.lovgov.org/services/parks-recreation/parks-facilities/tennis-pickleball). 

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