From Court to Community: Why Pickleball Is Taking Over the Neighbourhood
What is the big deal about pickleball? It seems to be everywhere, and everyone is either talking about it, playing it, or talking about playing it. Barb Botten, Owner of Villager Publications, along with Lynne Williams, one of Barb’s intrepid writers, decided to find out. Pickleball, it turns out, is a game involving two or four players returning volleys of a hard, plastic wiffle-like ball. It’s played indoors or outdoors on regulation badminton courts. Rather than traditional racquets, players use a large paddle reminiscent of a ping pong paddle. “I didn’t know what to expect,” says Barb after her first time playing the game. “Within minutes, I was hooked. The rules were easy to learn, the rallies started quickly, and before I knew it, I was laughing, moving and breaking a sweat.” Pickleball is also one of the most versatile sports to hit communities, which explains its viral-like popularity. It combines fitness with fun and doesn’t require any natural athletic ability to enjoy the game. Almost anyone, regardless of age or ability, can find a place on a pickleball court. “You’re active the whole time, but it never feels intimidating,” adds Lynne. “Between points, there’s always room for a smile, some friendly banter, and encouragement from teammates and opponents alike.” The game even has its own language, like “the kitchen,” “body bag,” “falafel,” and “dink shot.” Just as the equipment used in the game is borrowed from other sports, so is its name borrowed from the competitive rowing term “pickle boat.” Gail Prior, who grew up in Byron, founded the Komoka & Area 55+ Club 13 years ago and can attest to how the game has grown in popularity. She’s watched her club grow from 20 to 300 in that short time. For many, the biggest draw to pickleball is the camaraderie and friendships they form. For others, like Delaware resident Patty Jackson, pickleball can tap into your competitive side. “Little did I know it would become such a huge part of my life,” says Patty, who has won medals at national and international tournaments and is a certified pickleball coach. “The beauty
of pickleball is that you can play the game to whatever level you want.” The Byron Optimist Community Centre is the pickleball hub for Byron. They offer sessions for adults and seniors. They also happen to be hosting a pickleball doubles tournament on November 15 to raise money for Childcan. For information on playing pickleball in Byron, view recreation programs in Byron at www.london.ca or email recreation@london.ca. For the Komoka & Area 55+ Club, email Gail at gprior@rogers.com, or visit Pickleball Ontario at www.pickleballontario.org. Did you know? Pickleball began in the summer of 1965 on Bainbridge Island, Washington, when three dads—Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum—improvised a game for their bored children using a badminton net, ping pong paddles, and a plastic ball. The game evolved with handmade equipment and simple rules, with the first official court built in 1967. The name "Pickleball" was coined by Joel's wife, Joan Pritchard, referencing the "pickle boat" in crew, which contains leftover oarsmen, much like the game's combination of various sports equipment. The game was a mix of leftover components and players from other sports, similar to a pickle boat. Pickleball was introduced to Canada in the 1970s.
Assorted and unique gifts at Birders! Come in and browse our wide selection. Shop local in West 5! Assorted and unique gifts at Birders! Come in and browse our wide selection.
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Byron Villager October 2025
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