We invite you to get in on the pickleball conversations online with Facebook.

 

In addition you can:

1) Get on the GroupMe app (it's free) to know who is playing and where.

2) Check out the Clinics page on our website to know when we are hosting our own learn to play clinics.

 

This page has some of the key questions asked the most by new players.

Q: Where to play? Does it cost anything?

A:  Outside courts are FREE!

     Playing at the Sparta Barney Center requires a membership or drop in fee.

 

At Sparta Memorial Pickleball courts  there are 8 outside dedicated courts (meaning they are made just for pickleball and won't have any additional lines from other sports).

All play times, indoor and outdoor, are listed on our website under Court Locations.

 

Q: When you list times to play, what does that mean?

A: Pickleball is a unique sport in that it is a come and go sport. The times listed are "drop-in play" times, in other words, you can come play with others during the time listed such as 9 am - 12 noon. Come for an hour, come for all three - it's up to you!

 

Due to a limited number of courts, you may need to wait your turn to play. That's the time that you get to chat and get to know a lot of people! You can also ask them about the rules of the game, etc. while you are waiting. 

 

When there are many people waiting to play, people often begin to "stack paddles" which means 4 paddles are stacked to go into the next game. Then another 4 paddles for the next game. 

 

Q: What do I need to bring with me to play?

A:  I encourage you to wear good court shoes (not running shoes or walking shoes as it's easy to turn an ankle in those because they are only built for forward movement). Tennis shoes are made for lateral stability for those side to side steps as well as back and forth. Also important: bring a bottle of water, a towel to dry off, and if in the sun - sun lotion, sunglasses, hat - those type of things! And did I mention water?! Gatorade?!

 

If you have your own pickleball paddle, bring it. As noted in next question, if you don't have a paddle, we have paddles for you that you can borrow while at the Sparta Memorial Park Pickleball Courts or the Sparta Barney Center.

 

Note: there is a port-a-potty at the outdoor Sparta Memorial Park Pickleball courts.

 

Q: I don't have a paddle or a ball. How will I be able to play?

A: Our Association has paddles available for you to use! You are welcome to borrow and return them at the end of your play. In addition, many players have additional paddles to lend out and are happy to do so. Regarding balls, the players all come with balls that they share with everyone. Someone gets a ball and its used for the course of play or until they leave. There are plenty of balls. 

 

BALLS! Our members use the Franklin X-40 ball for outdoor play.  

 

Q: I want to purchase my own paddle. How do I do this? What ones do you recommend?

A: Paddles can be purchased for $30-$250.

We have several paddle reps in our area: 

Diadem - Mark Gumienny 
Engage - Diane Walker
PickNinja - Adam Archer
ProLite - Cameron Court
Selkirk - Corina Turiff
SixZero - Cindy Ondell, Alyssa Britson, Peter McPhail