If a person is able to walk a mile or climb a set of stairs without being out of breath, they should be able to learn and play pickleball, he explained, noting pickleball requires basic mobility as it is not a stationary sport.

Kolenda says the main benefit in playing pickleball comes down to this: “Staying active is healthy as we age.”

According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s 2022 Pickleball Report, more than half (52%) of core players—those who play eight or more times a year—are 55 or older, and almost a third (32.7%) are 65-plus. The average age is a pickleball player is 61.

The Meadowbrook Park class participants, ranging in ages from 55 to 77, cited several reasons on their decision on learning to play pickleball.

For Mother’s Day last year, Turner received paddles and a set of pickleballs. About that time, she noticed how much fun participants seem to be having when walking past Lenexa pickleball courts on Lackman Road.

“After hearing their enthusiasm, I took a one-hour class at Lenexa Rec Center. That session was just enough to confirm that I would like to try this activity, but I left with more questions than answers,” Turner said, leading to the additional pickleball lessons at Meadowbrook Park.

Pamela Bishop signed up for pickleball lessons because she felt it would be a great sport in helping her to stay active and physically fit.

“I also learned that pickleball is a very social sport. I have already had the pleasure of meeting other beginning players through the pickleball lessons I have taken at Johnson County recreational facilities,” Bishop said. “I look forward to learning a new sport that I hope to be able to play for many years to come.”

Because of a bad knee, Pat Veno stopped playing tennis several years ago. She then tried pickleball once, but with very competitive people and no lessons. That experience turned her off.

After local tennis courts started to be turned into pickleball courts and so many people really were sticking to the game, she had second thoughts about the sport especially when three friends signed up for lessons.

“I knew at least two of them would not be that competitive. I could just move at a safe pace for my knee and still be outside or inside having fun with people and burning some calories. It seemed like a good way to move about, laugh at missed shots, and make and keep friends,” Veno said.

“As you get older, even when you always had a strenuous workout discipline in your life, it is so easy to just lounge on the sofa reading. Having commitments to meet friends is another way to ensure I keep my body moving and keep healthy.”

The popularity of pickleball, locally and nationally, is spreading like wildfire for many reasons. The sport is easy to learn and played on a court one-fourth the size of a tennis court. The net is a little lower.

Games are played with a plastic whiffle ball, with circular holes in it that’s slightly larger than a tennis ball, and a paddle, about the size of a table tennis paddle, that’s rectangular.

The rules are like tennis. Pickleball can be played as either a singles or doubles game, though doubles is typically more popular. Points can only be accrued by the side that’s serving, and the winner is the first side to get to 11 points and be leading by at least two points.

JCPRD offers pickleball programs throughout the year. In 2022, pickleball classes attracted more than 750 registrants, pickleball tournaments fielded approximately 350 competitors and the district’s Pickleball League has about 150 participants.

According to Jennifer Nixon, recreation coordinator at 50 Plus, the pickleball classes/programs attract all ages, ranging from 8-80.

“Pickleball has so many benefits,” Nixon said. “If the person is looking for socialization, competitions or a way to exercise and get healthy, it is an activity that is available to people of all ages to help with any one of these.”

Kolenda has taught hundreds to play the sport through the 50 Plus program.

“Most have been retired. The first lesson I taught was in 2018. A woman named Lois was 89. I have taught people with knee, shoulder and hip replacements,” he said.

“This is a sport you can play as long as physically able. I have witnessed people lose weight and build stamina through playing. Most positive benefit is social interaction. We have gained great friends through this sport. The majority of people are so friendly and accepting.”