Pickleball, a mash up of tennis, badminton and ping pong, is one of the fastest growing sports today. According to the Sport and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball grew by 21.3% during the pandemic alone. This growth is also happening in Cottage Grove, as people look for new and different ways to stay active. This exponential growth and popularity are why the Cottage Grove Pickleball Group (CGPG) began and continues to grow.

The CGPG is a group of over 60 active fun loving pickleball players aged 18 and older playing at all skill levels, including new players.

“Pickleball is a great way to get out, get some exercise and have fun,” said CGPG Advisory Council Leader John Pinault, “We have a wide range of abilities and personalities coming together each day to play and we always have fun.”

The CGPG meets to play Monday through Friday from 9am-11am and 3pm-5pm as well as Saturdays from 9am-11am. Play takes place at Granada Park, 8371 Granada Av S, Cottage Grove. Granada Park features three courts, as well as a shaded area for players to take a break between games. CGPG members pay $10 a year to belong to the group. Membership fees go towards balls for play and equipment to clean and dry courts.

As an outreach to introduce more players to this fast-growing sport, the CGPG is offering a free Introduction to Pickleball Lesson. The lesson will be a 90-minute class that will focus on; an introduction to the game, fundamentals of play and basic strokes and it will culminate with an actual game experience. “Players will come away from this lesson with a good foundation and be all set to have some fun and develop their skills further,” said CGPG Member Dave Howard, who will be leading the instruction.

Players interested in the lesson or players who are interested in becoming part of the CGPG can email [email protected] for lesson details and membership forms.