Pickleball courts to make their debut at Hidden Valley Regional Park

Fast-growing sport known for social and health benefits popular with residents.

Reno, Nevada. Aug. 19, 2016 Washoe County and Truckee Meadows Pickleball Club will be celebrating the opening of the new pickleball courts at Hidden Valley Regional Park on Monday, Aug. 22, at 4 p.m. Media and citizens are invited for the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

Pickleball is considered one of the fastest growing sports because of its social and health benefits for all ages. It’s a cross between tennis, ping pong and badminton. It’s played on a badminton-sized court with the net lowered to about 34 inches at the center. Players use composite or wooden paddles about twice the size of ping-pong paddles and hit balls similar to Wiffle balls back and forth across the net.

The recently-completed courts are the first permanent courts available in Washoe County’s park system. Pickleball players have been playing at Hidden Valley Park for several years, but have been using portable nets. A grant to resurface numerous hard courts throughout Washoe County, including Hidden Valley, provided a great opportunity for residents. Hidden Valley originally had two tennis courts, but during the resurfacing project one of the courts was converted into four permanent pickleball courts.

“Requests for pickleball courts have increased substantially over the last several years, but we haven’t been in a position to build any new facilities,” said Eric Crump, Operations Division Director for the Washoe County Community Services Department. “Repurposing the tennis court to provide a facility for this growing sport just made great sense, and it shows what great things can happen when a community works together.”

What: Ribbon Cutting Ceremony

Where: Hidden Valley Regional Park, 4740 Parkway Drive, Reno

When: Monday, Aug. 22, 4 p.m.

Media: Interviews, video and photo opportunities will be available.

Hidden Valley Regional Park is owned and operated by Washoe County, through its Community Services Department. The Department’s mission is to provide exceptional parks and open space, and recreational opportunities while preserving our natural, historical and cultural resources. For more information on these or other County Parks visit www.washoecountyparks.com or call 823.6500.