Pickleball Comes To Parma

Linda Baznik, Claudia Fontana, Mickey Vittardi and Tim DeGeeter touch paddles at the end of their game. This act of sportsmanship is encouraged by the USA Pickleball Association.

Ok, so maybe you haven’t heard of it yet, and if you have, you might think pickleball is a silly name for a serious sport. The point is, it is a serious sport, and Claudia Fontana’s goal is to make sure you try it out.

Fontana, retired from teaching physical education in Parma City Schools, carries the title of Ambassador now, from the USA Pickleball Association. She is crazy about pickleball, and she’s downright thrilled that Parma has created two pickleball courts at Ries Park, behind the ice rink on Forestwood Drive. Already the courts are busy, and Fontana is convinced that demand will dictate more local pickleball courts in the future.

Pickleball is America’s fastest growing participant sport, and its popularity is somewhat due to its appeal to kids and seniors alike. There are courts in Independence, Strongsville, Brecksville, Broadview Heights and Middleburg Heights. In the 2013 National Senior Games, hosted in the Cleveland area, there were more than 400 entrants in singles and doubles.

“This is a positive and healthy activity for all ages, and it is a great family game,” Fontana said. “It’s a very social sport, and can be played recreationally and competitively.”

So what exactly is pickleball? The game combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping pong. It’s played on a court similar to a tennis court but much smaller. This allows for players with limited mobility but also encourages strategic, fast-paced rallies.

“There’s really something for everybody,” Fontana said.

Parma Parks & Recreation Director Mickey Vittardi says that the initial response to the addition of pickleball courts at Ries Park has been positive. “People are still learning about the sport, but there is a lot of curiosity out there about it,” he said. “We’re excited to be able to continue expanding our recreational offerings.”

Fontana is planning at least one introductory workshop in the near future to help people get acquainted with pickleball. “I think once people get out there on the court, they’ll see how much fun they can have playing pickleball,” she said.

Jeannie Roberts

Communications Director for the City of Parma

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Volume 8, Issue 9, Posted 9:11 AM, 09.02.2016