Over the summer, Milwaukee Recreation introduced a pickleball league for older adults at the Juneau Playfield tennis courts, 6500 W. Mt. Vernon Avenue. The response was overwhelmingly positive, and the department now plans to expand the program in the future. Media representatives and the general public are invited to attend a pickleball game to discover how Milwaukee’s older adults are having fun with this unique activity. The summer season continues every Monday and Wednesday from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. through September 17. Practice is held on Mondays; league play is on Wednesdays.

New players are invited to join future pickleball leagues by calling Milwaukee Recreation’s O.A.S.I.S. (Organization for Active Seniors in Society) at (414) 647-6041. The cost is $5 for city of Milwaukee residents and $10 for non-residents. Players of all ability levels are welcome.

Pickleball is often described as a life-sized version of ping pong which combines different elements of tennis, racquetball, ping pong, and badminton. The game is played on a hard surface, most often a tennis court, using a paddle and a wiffle-like ball. Games can be played with or without a partner (singles or doubles). There are six courts at Juneau Playfield, and all equipment is provided.

“Pickleball is a fantastic way to meet new people while also staying in shape,” says Recreation Coordinator Randy Kohl. “The game is very popular in Florida and Arizona and is gaining popularity throughout the U.S. It is an easy game to learn. Even if you’re unsure, come out to Juneau on a Monday or Wednesday and see some of the action.”