Pickleball is a fun indoor or outdoor racket/paddle sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong.  According to USAPickleball.org, it is one of the fastest growing sports in America.  Pickleball is fun, social, and friendly.  The rules are simple and easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game.  The Palm Bay Recreation Department now offers both indoor and outdoor opportunities for citizens to play pickleball.

Indoor pickleball is available at the Ted Whitlock Community Center, 1951 Malabar Rd NW, on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  Indoor pickleball is also offered at the Tony Rosa Community Center, 1502 Port Malabar Blvd NE, on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.  The cost to play pickleball in the community centers is $2 per day.  The centers provide all necessarily equipment to play the game including paddles, balls, and nets.  All skill levels and ages are welcome to participate.  Anyone under 9 years of age must have an adult family member actively supervising them.

The city also has outdoor pickleball courts available at Riviera Park, 550 Riviera Dr. NE, at Veterans Memorial Park, 2201 Port Malabar Blvd NE, and at Fred Lee Park, 895 Emerson Dr. NE.  Outdoor courts are free to use and are available on a first come, first served basis.  Outdoor users must bring their own paddles and balls.

Those interested in learning more about the sport of pickleball, are encouraged to visit usapickleball.org where they can read all about the history and rules of the game and watch videos explaining the rules, strategies, and tips for playing pickleball.

For more information on playing pickleball in the City of Palm Bay, call the Ted Whitlock Community Center at (321) 952-3231 or the Tony Rosa Community Center at (321) 952-3443.