Raleigh opening first outdoor pickleball courts

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played something like a wiffle ball.

Posted 4:00 p.m. Mar 31, 2015 — Updated 4:00 p.m. Mar 31, 2015

RALEIGH, N.C. — The City of Raleigh is opening more facilities to accommodate the growing local trend of pickleball.

Pickleball, which has been around for 50 years, is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong and badminton. It is played with a ball similar to a wiffle ball.

Officials announced Monday that the city's first outdoor pickleball courts will open Saturday, April 11, at Method Road Park, 514 Method Road, behind the community center. A dedication for the six courts will take place at 10 a.m. followed by pickleball demonstrations and lessons for all ages. The court officially opens to the public at 11:30 a.m.

The courts will be open daily until 10:30 p.m.

The sport was invented in 1965 by three fathers in Washington whose children had become bored with the usual summertime activities.

There are an estimated 500 active pickleball players in the Triangle, with an additional 500 players registered as members of Pickleball Carolina, an association that promotes the sport. Many of the courts in the area are indoors and have temporary nets with taped-off lines on gym floors.

Raleigh's outdoor courts will be the second set of permanent outdoor pickleball facilities in the area.

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