By Janelle Davis
The sport that has been sweeping the nation is now in Onondaga County.
A new pickleball complex was unveiled on Aug. 16 at Onondaga Lake Park in the Wegmans Landing Station.
Excitement was high as people gathered to watch and play the nation’s fastest-growing sport.
The complex includes 12 courts that hold three pickleball groups of up to four people.
The courts were built running north to south to avoid the sun.
Pickleball is a combination of tennis, ping pong, and badminton.
It can be played as singles or doubles using a paddle and a plastic ball. Players hit the ball back and forth over the net until someone misses.
“A couple of years ago we were pitched the idea by CNY pickleball ambassadors John Cooley and Brook Bregman, to bring the sport to our parks system,” County Executive Ryan McMahon said. “We were informed how big pickleball was getting. Judging by this unbelievable turnout, I would say they were right.”
McMahon explained there are plans for the complex to include shade structures, benches, new landscaping, and whatever else that can be done to improve the pickleball area.
County Parks Commissioner Brian Kelley said that this new pickleball complex, which is the largest in Upstate New York, will have regional appeal.
“We are thrilled to add these pickleball courts to our portfolio here at Onondaga Lake Park,” he said. “We realized that we have an opportunity here to make this a regional and possibly a national attraction. It fits in with what we do here at Onondaga Lake Park.”
Before the unveiling, people were already gathered from out of town to play the sport and claim one of the courts.
From 10 to 1 p.m. people were enjoying the music, food trucks, and game of pickleball at Onondaga Lake Park.
Brook Bregman shared that every day she teaches pickleball clinics with 10 to 30 new players.
She said new players can buy equipment for about $25.
Players can play from 6 a.m. to dusk.
To reserve a slot at one of the 12 pickleball courts at Onondaga Park you can visit cnypickleball.com.
