Pickleball’s popularity among seniors has been widely publicized, but in recent years, the sport has attracted a growing number of younger players as well. 

The sport, similar to tennis and ping-pong, appeals to older adults because of the smaller court size—approximately a quarter of a tennis court—and slower pace, making it easier to play as they get older. The game is non-contact and relatively easy to learn, allowing players of all ages to have fun and be successful, regardless of their athletic ability. 

Since the city expanded its pickleball facilities earlier this year, converting the tennis courts at Lincoln Park into 12 new pickleball courts alongside the existing eight, it’s more common to see kids as young as 6 on the courts playing alongside their parents and even grandparents.

Don and Vicki’s granddaughter, Molly, had never played before, but by the end of the game, she was cheering herself on.

Long-time pickleballers Don and Vicki Johnson were excited about playing with their teenaged grandkids, Nick and Molly, when they recently visited from Steamboat Springs. Although they were new to the sport, it didn’t take long for them to catch on.

“They were so into it, coaching each other, telling each other to move their feet and watch the ball—they loved it,” said Vicki, 79. “We couldn’t get them to leave.”

Before discovering pickleball, Don and Vicki had tried to get their grandkids into tennis.

“Their success rate on a tennis court was pretty low because it’s hard—it’s a big court with big rackets,” explained Vicki. “But with pickleball, they have instant success.”

Nick’s girlfriend, Macie, who had played pickleball a few times before, was also impressed with the quality of the Lincoln Park courts compared to the ones in Steamboat, where players have to bring their own nets or pay hourly for indoor court time. 

“[Pickleball] meets all the criteria of being with other people, being outside, exercising and how to stay healthy,” said Vicki. “And it’s free!”

FRIENDS & FITNESS

The Johnsons moved to Grand Junction from Silver City, New Mexico, three years ago and now play pickleball several times a week. 

“It’s a friendly, inclusive sport,” Vicki said. “The etiquette of playing in Grand Junction is if people are waiting, you let them come and play with you.”

Macie, who had played pickleball a few times before, plays the game with her boyfriend and his grandparents Don and Vicki Johnson.

This flexibility suits Don perfectly, as he likes waking up on any given morning, heading to the courts and finding someone to play with for a couple of hours. 

“I can’t get around as well as I used to on a tennis court,” said Don, 80, “but [pickleball] gives me something to do at my level of physical capability, and I can do it basically anytime I want.”

Vicki still plays tennis, but her pickleball routine is a bit more structured than Don’s. 

“I have friends that do what we call a triathlon,” she said. “We go and we play an hour or so of pickleball, then we head home and play some ping-pong, then play mahjong, and have dinner together.”

The social aspect of pickleball is also a big part of its appeal. The game can be played with singles or doubles (one player or two). Like many local players, the Johnsons are members of the Western Slope Pickleball Club, which has seen its membership surge to 900—an increase of 300 just since last summer. Members are from all over Western Colorado, including Delta, Montrose and Rifle.

The club hosts “round robin” play several mornings a week at both the Lincoln Park and Pineridge courts in the Redlands. These games are open to everyone, giving players a chance to improve their skills and compete with others at their level. 

“Kids will come over from the college and you learn very quickly that you can’t compete with them,” said Don. “Their reflexes are so much faster, and they get to the balls that I don’t even think about.” 

GROWING PAINS

While pickleball’s growth has brought new excitement to the courts, it doesn’t come without challenges. Even with the expansion at Lincoln Park, court space remains in high demand. 

Don and Vicki Johnson introduce their grandkids Nick (pictured) and Molly to pickleball at the new Lincoln Park courts.

“There’s a camera on the pickleball club’s website where you can look at the Lincoln Park courts 24 hours a day,” said Don. “Even if you look at them at 9:30 or 10 at night, they’re all lit up and basically full.”

Although the expansion has helped ease some of the congestion, especially between pickleball and tennis players competing for court space, the courts are still packed during peak times. 

“There will never be enough courts,” Vicki said. “We’re always advocating for more.” 

The pickleball club works closely with the parks and recreation department to develop new facilities and promote the sport. While plans are underway to build nine additional courts at the new recreation center at Matchett Park, these courts are indoors, which is less appealing to some players.

“I don’t like playing indoors that much,” Don said. “The ball bounces differently, and the lighting isn’t as good.”

Because of our mild weather, pickleball is a year-round sport in Western Colorado. During the winter months, players shift to indoor courts at facilities like the Bookcliff Activity Center in Grand Junction, the Fruita Community Center, the Bill Heddles Recreation Center in Delta, and the Montrose Recreation Center. 

As pickleball’s popularity continues to grow, some players travel to compete in regional and national tournaments. While the Johnsons don’t participate in many tournaments themselves, they have started bringing their paddles along with them on trips just in case they feel like playing a game or two. 

“We’re headed to California this weekend, and we’re planning to find some courts while we’re there,” said Vicki. “It’s like how some people take golf vacations—now people are taking pickleball vacations.”

GETTING STARTED

As September is Grandparents Month, it’s the perfect time for seniors to introduce their grandkids to pickleball. Unlike sports like golf or tennis, pickleball requires minimal equipment. A two-player set of beginner’s paddles and balls can be purchased for under $50.

The Western Slope Pickleball Club and many of our local recreation centers host beginner clinics. And even if you can’t secure a spot in one of the clinics, you’ll likely find experienced players on the courts willing to teach newcomers.

The Western Slope Pickleball Club has over 900 members who regularly play throughout Grand Junction, Fruita, Palisade, Parachute, Delta and Montrose. To learn about upcoming clinics and discover local courts, visit WesternSlopePickleballClub.com.

For players in Delta County, join the Delta CO Pickleball group on Facebook to coordinate play times at local courts.

How to learn and where to play

Mesa County

Lincoln Park
1340 Gunnison Ave. • 970-254-3866
Free to play outdoors, daytime and evening
Winter: Play inside the barn for a drop-in fee

Pineridge Park
359 Ridges Blvd. • 970-254-3866
Free to play outdoors, daytime only

Palisade Pickleball Courts
567 W. 5th St., Palisade • 970-464-5602

Fruita Community Center
324 N Coulson St., Fruita • 970-858-0360
Indoor courts. Daily admission or membership required.

Bookcliff Activity Center
540 291/4 Road. • 970-254-3866
Indoors, winter only, for a drop-in fee

Delta County

Join Delta CO Pickleball on Facebook

Bill Heddles Recreation Center
531 Palmer St., Delta • 970-874-0923
Free to play outdoors (ask the front desk staff for code to courts)
Daily admission required to play indoors. 

Cedaredge Town Park
West Main & Fourth, Cedaredge • 970-856-3864
Indoor and outdoor courts

Montrose County

Schedules and more info at MontroseRec.com

Montrose Recreation Center
16350 Woodgate Road • 970-249-7705
Free to play outdoors; daily admission, punch card or membership required to play indoors