Some residents try their hand at Pickleball under the supervision of Orawan, one of several community members who helped introduce the sport at the CMCC this week. Recreation staff are exploring options to maximize the use of this facility.
Recreation staff at the township are exploring different ways to maximize the use of the Cavan Monaghan Community Centre now that pandemic restrictions have been lifted. Last month, township recreation staff hosted two Open House events to introduce Pickleball to the community and test the level of interest in using the facility to offer this recreational activity. Based on feedback, they have set up some sessions for adult and family play during the month of July.
Pickleball is a relatively new sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or out, on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Like tennis and ping-pong, it is played with paddles and a plastic ball, this one with holes called a whiffle ball. It can be played as doubles or singles. Featuring simple rules with low impact on knees and joints, it is a sport that can be enjoyed by all.
It is a relatively new sport, invented in 1965 by three fathers near Seattle, Washington who were trying to keep their children entertained. It has since gained in popularity in North American with growing interest in Europe and Asia. Now you can play it in Cavan Monaghan.
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen”). Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be converted using existing tennis or badminton courts.
At the CMCC, times have been set aside for adult-only and family play for parents with children ages seven to seventeen. Registration for these sessions is limited to twelve for each 45 minute time slot. There are two evening sessions available on Thursday, July 7th and 14th. Adult only slots are available in the morning and from 4 to 5:30 pm on Monday July 4th, Thursday July 7th and 14th and Friday July 15 in the morning only. KG
