Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America, and to accommodate a burgeoning population of players in Rockville, the city is constructing four lighted, dedicated pickleball courts at Mattie J.T. Stepanek Park at 1800 Piccard Drive.
Two of four basketball courts at the park will be converted and are expected to be ready for pickleball play in August, depending on weather.
A cross between tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball players use an oversize paddle to hit a Whiffle Ball across a badminton-sized court in singles or doubles play. The game was invented in 1965.
Rockville has tennis courts with pickleball lines, as well as drop-in play at its community centers. For opportunities to play the sport, see Recreation and Parks’ summer activity guide, “Life in Rockville,” at www.rockvillemd.gov/life and find and register for classes at www.rockvillemd.gov/registration.