Every little town...

It seems that every little village, town and city in America is getting Pickleball Fever.  We spoke May 11 with a professional tennis/pickleball court resurfacing contractor.  His service area includes all of Montana, Eastern Idaho and Western Wyoming.  He said three times, "You wouldn't believe how hot pickleball is in all the small towns of my area."

That would surely seem to be the case based on our daily roamings-'round of national pickleball news.  As a case in point, let's look at an article from the Vicksburg, Mississippi, newspaper that was published May 12.

Here's the key quote:

“We had talked about it and talked about it, how the United Methodist Men could do something with it, so earlier this year, I decided I was going to quit talking,” Holman said.

We suspect this is what is happening in countless localities large and small throughout America.  Some folks we know question whether pickleball's steep upward growth trend is sustainable.  We're of the opinion the rapid growth and expansion will continue unabated for quite some time before it levels off.  About 10,000 Baby Boomers are retiring each and every single day.  The Baby Boomers are the critical mass which has fueled pickleballs phenomenal recent explosive growth.

We have excerpted the Vickburg article below.  The source link is listed at the end of the excerpt.

Mary Jane Plett, a member of Hawkins United Methodist Church, plays pickle ball in the Abundant Life Center Friday. (Courtland Wells/Vicksburg Post)

Earlier this year, members at Hawkins United Methodist Church decided to bring the game to Vicksburg and now at 3 p.m. on Wednesday’s men and women get together to play.

“We have had 12 or so come out to play at one time,” church member Larry Holman said.

Holman along with his wife were instrumental in helping bring the game to the River City.

 “About three of four years ago, my wife and I saw the game on T.V.,” Holman said, and shared the experience with church member, Bob Walters.

Holman said conversations ensued for a long time about the notion of pickleball until he was tired of talking and was ready for action.

“We had talked about it and talked about it, how the United Methodist Men could do something with it, so earlier this year, I decided I was going to quit talking,” Holman said.

Therefore, in late January or February, he presented the idea of bringing pickleball to Hawkins during the church’s Wednesday night events.

 A decision was made to go forward and equipment was purchased.

“For less than $250 you can have the net and frame, four paddles and half a dozen or so whiffle balls,” Holman said.

Currently the church has three sets, which allows three games to go on simultaneously in its Abundant Life Center.

“The game can be played with singles or doubles,” Walters said, “and has really picked up a lot of interest in communities where they have larger groups of older people. I understand it is real popular on the Gulf Coast, where they even have leagues set up.”

Even though pickleball is a game that can be enjoyed by seniors, Walters said younger folks will also benefit because it does workout all of your muscles.

---End of Excerpt---

Source: http://www.vicksburgpost.com/2017/05/12/hawkins-umc-brings-pickleball-to-vicksburg/

Here's yet another little town (Allegan, Michigan) getting into the pickleball parade:

http://www.allegannews.com/allegan-news-news/pickleball-craze-coming-allegan