Summer Pickleball at George Rogers Park

Pickleball combines the best of many sports on a compact court. The Tennis Courts at George Rogers Park have been lined to provide opportunity for those interested in playing pickleball in Lake Oswego. Pickleball is fast, easy to learn and most importantly- FUN!

Lake Oswego Connection

A local Lake Oswego Club with over thirty members has approached LO Parks & Recreation to add Pickleball lines to outdoor tennis courts. It was determined that George Rogers courts would be the best suited courts for Pickleball play. George Rogers Park, the oldest park in the LO system, is located close by the downtown area of Lake Oswego,  accessible off Hwy 43, has adequate parking, rest rooms facilities are close by and there are many other park amenities to attract many interests.  George Rogers Park is a busy year round park that is enjoyed by many residents and visitors alike.

With the addition of the pickleball lines to GRP courts, the courts become multi-use courts. 
Tennis lines will also remain on both courts.
We will be working with the L.O. Pickleball Club for them to offer organized drop-in play and equipment to current and new players wanting to try out the sport.  Those times/days of the week are as follows:

• Wednesday Mornings 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m.
• Thursday Evenings 5:00- p.m. until dark 
• Friday Mornings 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. 
• Sunday Afternoons 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m.

L.O. Parks & Recreation currently has three outdoor tennis court sites:

George Rogers Park 611 S. State St. (2 Tennis courts.  4 Pickleball courts)
Westlake Park 14164 Bunick Dr.  (2 Tennis courts)
South Shore 1850 South Shore Blvd. court (1 Tennis court) 1850 South Shore Blvd (next to South Shore Fire Dept. no bathroom)
Other public outdoor tennis courts in, not under L.O. Parks & Recreation jurisdiction
L.O. High School, Lakeridge H.S. and Lakeridge Jr. High

What is Pickleball?
Link to USA Pickleball Association:
http://www.usapa.org/what-is-pickleball/
A paddle sport created for all ages and skill levels. The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced, competitive game for experienced players.
 
The Basics
1.  A fun sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.
2.  Played both indoors or outdoors on a badminton-sized court and a slightly modified tennis net.
3.  Played with a paddle and a plastic ball.
 
A Game for Everyone
The USAPA currently estimates there are now over 400,000 players actively playing pickleball.
· Pickleball facilities are located in all 50 states.
· Many kids and teenagers play it in physical education classes in middle and high schools.
· Seniors enjoy the social aspects and the ability to stay active in towns and retirement communities.
· Tennis, racquetball and ping pong players love the competitive nature of the sport and regularly participate in competitive tournaments.
 
Brief History
Pickleball was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island, a short ferry ride from Seattle, WA. Three dads – Joel Pritchard, Bill Bell, and Barney McCallum -whose kids were bored with their usual summertime activities are credited for creating game. Pickleball has evolved from original hand made equipment and simple rules into a popular sport throughout the US and Canada. The game is growing internationally as well with many European and Asian countries adding courts.

The Court
A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. In pickleball, the same court is used for both singles and doubles play. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net (referred to as the “kitchen”). Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be converted using existing tennis or badminton courts.

Equipment
When playing pickleball, each player will need a pickleball paddle, which is smaller than a tennis racquet but larger than a ping-pong paddle. Originally, paddles were made only from wood, however today’s paddles have evolved dramatically and are primarily made of lightweight composite materials, including aluminum and graphite. Players will also need a net and a pickleball. The ball itself is unique, with holes through it like a wiffleball and there are different ball models intended for indoor and outdoor play. The ball travels at 1/3 the speed of a tennis ball and is usually white or yellow in color. New bright color balls are also gaining in popularity.
 
Apparel
Players wear just about anything comfortable… athletic shorts, sweatpants, polo shirts, t-shirts, etc. Tennis-style dresses and skirts for females