Pickleball friends for four years

Last Friday morning we dropped in on some of the friendly pickleball play happening at Spanish Lakes Riverfront. It was great to catch up with Kim Volpone, who coordinates pickleball play for the residents.

Kim has been playing for four years and is without question "hooked" on the game. She admits to previously having been addicted to tennis, and still plays tennis sometimes. But she lights up when asked about pickleball.

Kim Volpone, pickleball coordinator

She explained that the group at Riverfront plays Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays, and Saturdays from 9:00 am until around noon. Players of all levels are welcomed to come and play, from complete beginner to advanced.

The regulars are more than willing to instruct newcomers. No paddle? No worry, as Kim and her friends have you covered with a loaner.

The regulars are more than willing to instruct newcomers. No paddle? No worry, as Kim and her friends have you covered with a loaner.

Kim says the group started four years ago and has become like family. It's much more than an excuse to get some fresh air and exercise. It's friendly competition, it's social, and it's a shared experience. Many hours are logged on the courts.

Neighboring Spanish Lakes One has an avid pickleball community as well. The group there tends to play at different times: on different days of the week, and in the afternoon. Since Spanish Lakes offers shared access privileges, diehard players don't have to wait long to play again, and the mingling of residents from different communities keeps things fun and interesting.

Dennis, one of the regulars at Riverfront, says they have players into their 80s enjoying the courts. While the game is not as physically demanding as tennis, it would be wise for anyone not regularly playing racket sports to get cleared by a doctor before trying pickleball. The most common injuries in pickleball come from taking a fall on the court.

Sue Iven reviews the list of people who have signed up for the pickleball group's barbecue social. The cost: just $3, to cover meats for the grill.

A typical morning can see 14 or more players at the pickleball courts. Here are the players who stayed until the end of the morning. They must really love the game!