Pickleball

Pickleball. Combining elements of ping-pong, tennis, and badminton, it’s the new hot sport. Named the fastest-growing sport in America by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, with over 8.9 million players in the United States over six years old in 2023—an 85% increase from 2022. Courts and leagues are springing up everywhere across America, and Greene County is no exception.

Ron Headlee, a retired high school and college wrestling coach in Greene County, teaches pickleball at the EQT REC Center and is an active advocate of the sport. He started by teaching pickleball in his physical education classes and later began playing in tournaments. He believes the sport is growing in popularity because it is easier on the body than other similar sports, making it perfect for older and younger players alike. “It’s a sport that all ages can play together. It’s a great sport for social interaction,” Ron says. “[Pickleball is] becoming more popular, and I would estimate that we currently have about 300 to 400 people playing in the county.”

If you are interested in playing pickleball in Greene County, consider joining the BAND app (band.us). Search for “Waynesburg Pickleball” to request to join a local group of players.

The History of Pickleball

In 1965, Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell needed an activity the whole family could play while gathered at Pritchard’s home on Bainbridge Island, Washington. Deciding to make use of the old badminton court on the property, Pritchard and Bell scoured the grounds for the necessary equipment, but couldn’t find everything they needed. Improvisation became the name of the game, and they used the ping-pong paddles and perforated plastic ball and played the game with the badminton net set at 60 inches. When they realized the ball would bounce, they lowered the net to 36 inches. They introduced a third friend, Barney McCallum, to the game, and the three men created rules.

In 1967, Pritchard’s neighbor Bob O’Brien built the first pickleball court, and in 1967, a corporation was formed to protect the sport. Ten years after the sport’s creation in Pritchard’s backyard, pickleball received national attention, with an article in the National Observer. This was followed the next year by the first pickleball tournament in Tukwila, WA. The sport continued to grow in popularity, and more tournaments were organized.

Almost twenty years after its creation, the United States Amateur Pickleball Association (USAPA) was organized, and they published a rulebook that March. By 1990, pickleball had reached all 50 states. The game started appearing at senior Olympics in the early 2000s and was included in the National Senior Games Association in 2008.

A new corporation, the USA Pickleball Association (USAPA) was formed to protect the sport in 2005. The new corporation held its first national all-ages tournament in 2009. Over the year, membership increased each year, additional tournaments were held, and more pickleball courts appeared across the United States. In 2020, the USAPA rebranded as USA Pickleball.

Where to Play in Greene County

In Greene County, pickleball can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors. If you’re interested in playing outdoors, the Greene County Tennis and Pickleball Courts are at 900 Rolling Meadows Road in Waynesburg. The site features two recently resurfaced full-sized tennis courts and two pickleball courts. Outdoor lighting lets you enjoy pickleball while the sun is heading to bed. Parking is free and a water fountain is available. The courts may be unavailable during the mixed tennis league.

Wana B Park in Carmichaels (355 Ceylon Road) also has courts for pickleball. Wana B also features basketball courts, a walking path, playgrounds, and additional activity space.

If indoors are more your thing, The EQT REC Center at 400 EverGreene Drive in Waynesburg also has indoor pickleball courts. Throughout the year, they also host pickleball classes and clinics, tournaments, and weekly pickleball meetups. The REC Center also offers restrooms, changing rooms, water fountains, childcare services, and many more amenities.

The Waynesburg First Church of the Nazarene at 115 Deerfield Lane in Waynesburg has pickleball courts in their Family Life Center and often has open play.