Extra Pickleball Courts Proving Popular in Winamac, Instructional Class Planned for Knox

Interest in pickleball continues to grow in Knox and Winamac. The expansion of the Winamac Town Park’s pickleball facilities last year has proven to be a good decision. That’s what Jon Chapman told the rest of the town’s park board last Thursday.

“Friday, we had all six courts in use,” Chapman said. “We had people from Crawfordsville all the way up to Michigan City that came down, and probably a week from tomorrow, we’ll have that many or more. But we had just a lot of people, a lot of good compliments.”

Park Board President Chris Schramm commented, “I went by one night when you guys had it, and I was impressed. There were people everywhere down there using that thing.”

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong.

Knox residents interested in playing will be able to attend a free instructional class this weekend. “The mayor of Knox called today and wants a group of us to be at their place,” Chapman said. “They just put two courts in at their park, redid a tennis court that wasn’t being used, and we’ll be there . . . on a Sunday afternoon for people there to learn how to play. So it’s just kind of neat to see it catching on.”

The pickleball class will be offered this Sunday at 5:00 p.m. CDT at the new Wythogan Park pickleball court. City officials say the experienced players will bring equipment. No registration is necessary, and all ages are welcome.