Few sports have grown as quickly in popularity as pickleball. According to USA Pickleball, this racquet-based game originated in 1965 near Seattle, Washington, as a family sport played with ping-pong paddles on a badminton court. Today, there are nearly 11,000 facilities where players can enjoy a friendly (or fierce) game. One location gripped by pickleball fever is the Brunswick Recreation Center, where daily pickleball matches are a growing attraction for residents.
Initially, pickleball was most popular among players over 50, but it’s steadily growing in popularity among all age groups in Brunswick. “Especially during breaks, we’ll see college students that are coming in to play pickleball,” says Taylor Petkovsek, Brunswick Parks and Recreation Director.
At Neura Park, players can enjoy outdoor pickleball games at the tennis courts. Since these courts were resurfaced approximately five years ago, they’re now marked with distinct yellow lines to distinguish the pickleball playing area. Though it might look similar to tennis, pickleball is played on a smaller court with a lower net.
The Brunswick Recreation Center also offers three pickleball courts inside the basketball gym. Daily pickleball times are outlined on a monthly schedule. Most pickleball matches take place during the early mornings or afternoons.
As Brunswick looks to the future, the City is working toward creating a comprehensive master plan for its park facilities to be completed in late 2024. Whether or not that plan will include more pickleball courts will be up to residents. The process includes community focus groups where people can share their input.
“Just from what I’ve seen over the last few years, I have a feeling that [pickleball] is going to be a part of whatever the parks and rec master plan ends up looking like,” says Petkovsek.
Meet Pickleball Enthusiast Sam Yovanno
Sam Yovanno is an 82-year-old Brunswick resident and a regular fixture on the city pickleball courts. He started playing the sport five years ago when he noticed some other players enjoying the game at the rec center. ìI borrowed a paddle from the front desk and went out there, and they started explaining rules to me,î he says.
Today, Yovanno is part of a core group of about 40 pickleball enthusiasts who meet to chat and play together at the Brunswick Recreation Center. The group includes both men and women ó most are retired with an average age of around 65. Theyíre always happy to welcome new players interested in learning pickleball rules. ìI tell people, come on in, and we can coach them and see how they do,î says Yovanno.
Over the years, Yovanno has played various sports, such as softball, golf, basketball and racquetball, but he now plays pickleball at least five days a week. He enjoys the exercise and the great friendships heís developed. ìPickleball has just been a great sport. And thereís a lot of interaction,î he says. ìThe people Iím associated with at the rec center are great people, and theyíre there to have fun and offer encouragement as well.
