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Invented in 1965 by a congressman from Washington State and his buddy after they found their children bored and just sitting around, the game is played on a badminton-type court with paddles and perforated plastic balls. After inventing the game and the rules, the kids and families decided to name the game after the family dog, who was named, of course, Pickles.
"It's a great sport that also lots of fun," said Alex Banyckyj, who runs the games for Clarkstown.
The real goal of the game is that everyone can play and master the game, Banyckyj said.
"Some people can't play tennis later in life but want to keep moving and pickleball is a perfect way to do that," he said. "It's also competitive. People really like it and keep coming back."
He said it's also harder than it sounds because the plastic balls don't bounce the same as say, a tennis ball.
And, believe it or not, the game has become so popular across the country that it even has a corporation and is played at the Arizona Senior Olympics, among other venues.
The games -- with an introduction -- will be played each Thursday from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. beginning on Jan. 18 and running through Feb. 15., at the Congers Recreation Center, 6 Gilchrest Road, Congers.
Cost for the entire session is $25 and paddles and balls are provided. Tennis shoes are required.
To learn more, or to register, call 845-639-6200.
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