The Atlantic Parks and Recreation Department reports four new outdoor Pickleball Courts are ready for play. The courts are painted in the west end of the Sunnyside Tennis Courts, and there are three scheduled group times per week:

• Sunday’s at 6-p.m. – Organized play. You must sign-up before 4-p.m. Sunday, in order to play. Register by calling Bruce Henderson, at 249-8255.
• Wednesday’s at 6-p.m. & Friday’s at 8-a.m. – Pickup games for all levels will take place. Henderson said they will reserve one or two courts for beginner or novice players. Rackets and balls will be furnished for anyone who needs them. Instructors will be available to teach players who are new to the game. Players of all ages are encouraged to join the veteran Pickleball players. Henderson said also, the two courts will also be available for experienced players.

The game of Pickleball.

Bruce Henderson says “It is possible to play at anytime during the week. To play at times other than those mentioned (above), contact Bruce Henderson or call the Parks and Rec Office at 243-3542.  Pickleball, by-the-way, is currently the fastest growing sport in the U-S. Between 2019 and 2020, the number of players increased by 21.3%. Currently, there are about 3.8-million players in the U-S.

In 2006, there were only 400 outdoor Pickleball venues across the country.