Pickleball Court a “Hit” in Ewing Park

If you have noticed something new this year in Ewing Park … it’s probably the pickleball court.

Councilwoman Judith Dici saw the sport growing in popularity and when she realized that it was a sport that many ages and skill levels could enjoy, she decided to bring the idea to Ellwood City Borough Council.

Dici herself plays pickleball and said that her drive to get the courts came from having a friend who has Parkinson’s Disease as well as seeing the students at Lincoln participating in pickleball tournaments in the high school gym during lunchtime.

“The kids loved it. It inspired me.”

So Dici thought Ewing Park needed its own pickleball courts.

“I originally brought it to the council floor in March or April of 2022. It was a sport that was becoming more and more popular nationwide and everyone can play.”

Dici said it took 10 months to get it approved in January.

“I was determined to get the court.”

She is happy to see that the community is taking advantage of it. Dici said since the court was installed she has seen it get plenty of use and hopes the interest will grow.

“People are playing. When I drive through the park, people are always playing. I’m hoping that people might be inspired to take charge and start to initiate having a league.”

Pickleball is located next to the basketball court in the park. Dici said the pickle ball court adds something that an older population can enjoy because it is tailored to those who need to stay active. She said she has a friend who has Parkinson’s Disease and one of the things she does nearly everyday is play pickleball.

“Pickleball helps her use her hands and legs. It’s what she needs to stay active and to slow the progression of Parkinson’s.”

Wondering what exactly pickleball is? Dici described it as being like tennis on a smaller scale using a smaller racquet with some different rules than tennis.

USA Pickleball describes it as:

• A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
• Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
• Played with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.
• Played as doubles or singles.
• Can be enjoyed by all ages and skill levels

The history of pickleball, according to USA Pickelball, began in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, Washington. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum — whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities — are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original handmade equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well, with many European and Asian countries adding courts.