What started out as a backyard game has grown into a community-wide sport, and Eugeneans can’t get enough. Pickleball, a mixture of ping pong and tennis, has grown rapidly in Eugene due to its accessibility and overall friendly play atmosphere. Whether you’re looking for a fun new hobby or wanting to compete in tournaments, pickleball offers a wide range of play for “picklers.”
While pickleball used to be considered a sport for people later in life, the play has grown to include college kids, young families, and children. The lower-level impact is great for all ages, and the game can be played at any level of competitiveness. You can play singles or doubles. Plus, all you need is a paddle and a ball!
“When we first started playing, we knew the majority of players in the local club and recognized almost everyone, and the large majority of the players were over the age of 50,” says Rae Dennehy, an avid pickleball player in Eugene. “Now, the club has grown so quickly in the past few years that we only know a small fraction of the people, and the demographic has changed to include people of all ages, including young kids.”
Since pickleball uses different nets and boundary lines than a regular tennis court, specific courts had to be constructed (or tennis courts had to add lines and offer different nets) for pickleball players. The YMCA’s tennis center, which was remodeled in 2016, introduced pickleball that same year by striping one of their tennis courts for drop-in and group lessons. To meet the growing demand, the remaining tennis courts were striped in January to offer even more pickleball courts. With that expansion came a new name: the Tennis & Pickleball Center.
“What began nearly a decade ago is evolving into a thriving hub of activity and community,” says Beth Casper, the Eugene YMCA’s VP of community engagement. The YMCA has expanded their programs as well: more mixers, court reservations, clinics, and private lessons. There’s even a kids camp offered in the summer. In April, Kathy O’Bannon joined the YMCA as their first pickleball pro, offering private lessons, clinics, and the popular paddle battles.
Another great hub for pickleball is the Emerald Valley Pickleball Club. They offer free Learn to Play clinics to the public. Aspiring picklers will learn the layout of the court, basic shots like the serve and the dink, an introduction to scoring, and how to get involved in local play. As a member of EVPC, you can connect with other members, schedule times to play, and get up-to-date information on clinics, gatherings, and tournaments.
“Taking ongoing lessons is a great way to learn skills and strategy,” Dennehy says. “My husband [Bill] and I take weekly lessons and have attended several camps around the U.S. and internationally.” The dynamic duo even qualified for Pickleball Nationals in Palm Springs, where they went 3-2. Dennehy also took home a bronze medal for women’s doubles later that year.
The EVPC is currently fundraising for a state-of-the-art pickleball facility to be located at Lane Community College. The plan includes 24 courts, two of them being “champion” courts and 10 of them covered courts.
If you’re wanting to take your game to the next level, the Dennehys suggest focusing on drills to hone your game. Working on things like forehand and backhand, volleys, and serves can really improve your game.
“Every pickleball topic imaginable can be found on YouTube,” Bill Dennehy says. A lot of professional players and coaches have their own YouTube channels where they share their favorite drills and tips for advancing your pickleball skills.
While pickleball’s popularity has increased dramatically, the court availability has not kept up. But that’s changing, too. Westmoreland, Meadow Park, the Downtown Athletic Club, and Bob Keefer all offer pickleball courts on a first-come first-serve basis. On weekends or a nice day, these courts can fill up fast and lead to long wait times. The YMCA offers reservable courts as well as drop-in sessions. Sheldon and Churchill High School both have pickleball courts striped onto their existing tennis courts. Slowly but surely, pickleball courts are popping up all over the Eugene and Springfield area.
“Pickleball isn’t just fun, it’s a powerful tool for whole-person health,” the YMCA’s Casper says. From little kids to seniors, anyone with a paddle can play. “Perhaps best of all, it’s social: a space for friendly competition, laughter, and the chance to build lasting friendships.”
