Pickleball has become so much the rage in the US that a group of residents in the Village of Washingtonville have been pushing really hard for courts of their own. Mayor Tom DeVinko and Village Trustees heard them and dove into the project full force. The details took time, to make sure the project came out right, and after just over a week's opening they are a big success and a Win-Win for the Village. At Vern Allen Park on Route 94 just North of the Village, the courts are at the part of the park near the highway and with their bright blue and yellow colors are really eye-catching and mood lifting. The courts have been quite busy, despite the heat, with players arriving early in the morning or late in the afternoon. A few rules are being confirmed at tonight's Village Board Meeting. It had been established that the courts were for residents only, but miscellaneous questions arise, like "What happens if a resident comes with a friend or family member from another community? ", is that OK? These are the kind of incidentals that are being worked out, but so far, according to the Barringer family who I spoke with this week, the players are extremely friendly and often invite others to join in. Goshen's Craigville Pickleball Courts were the only other courts really nearby. and the Barringers said they plan to spend time playing regularly at Very Allen throughout this Summer. Son Jesse is also an avid player and had been playing earlier that day. She added that the Vern Allen Park courts also have the advantage that there are dividers, so a big hit is much less likely to end up in a court where others are playing. A third advantage is that son Jesse has set up an "App" to help the growing number of players get organized and get some help getting started (tips on things likewhere to get supplies, lessons etc.).
Watching mother and daughter, Naomi and Joy, playing (and doing a great job), it was easy to see why pickleball has become so popular. It is VERY similar to tennis, but about 30-40% easier, largely because the paddles and ball are so much lighter, kind of like a whiffle ball but a little more solid. Joy pointed out that the family who initially invented it designed it that way so that their two youg children could easily play. Ironically (or obviously, since it makes sense) it tends to result in a less aggressive game, and is also less stressful for the body. Hence it tends to have a population of both older individuals and younger ones who are a bit less "athletic", as well as those with minor physical limits or ailments that would make traditional tennis stressful. Still, it's great physical exercise and perfect for supporting good coordination and athleticism. It also could be a good starter sport that could prepare someone for playing tennis in the future.
It is becoming so popular in the Village that some players asked whether there are plans to put up more courts in the adjacent undeveloped space. Mayor DeVinko told a crowd at a recent Board Meeting "Well, let's see how popular it gets." The Village has been fortunate, through the hard work of its Board members in getting and and implementing significnt grant and other recreation monies through Parkland fees from developers like the Reiger Brothers developments in the Village,along with Parkland fees from other developers that pay for things like this.
The courts are open from 8am to dusk. Rules will be posted soon. and a link to the Barringers's app. Anyone with questions can call Mayor Tom DeVinko at 845-8494523