Auburn, California Parks and Rec is Growing Pickleball

They got the go ahead in December 2014.  Pickleball folks donated 1/3 the cost, other funding came from city reserves built up over time & mitigation fees. The courts are relatively low maintenance, and supporters have been part of the ongoing upkeep - a win win win situation for the community, according to Scott Holbrook's post on Facebook.

Feel free to spread the word to fellow friends.  The Auburn, CA group feels very fortunate to have the courts, and want them utilized to their fullest potential. They hope to meet many new picklers!

Phone: 530-328-0786, no need to RSVP
Site: http://www.auburnrec.com/facilities_pickleball
Address: Regional Park  3770 Richardson Dr, Auburn, CA 95603

Auburn CA Parks and Rec has a second location for outdoor pickleball at Meadow Vista Park.  They will be hosting a Spring Doubles Tournament this May.

According to the local newspaper, The Auburn Reporter: 'Chic and Ingrid Koenig are Meadow Vista’s very own world-class pickleball players. Each week, the Koenigs, who compete annually at the world games in Utah, hit the pickleball courts in Meadow Vista to work on their skills. They also share their expertise with free lessons for beginners.'

'Saturday and Sunday, May 14-15, they will put those skills to the test in the Spring Pickleball Tournament hosted by the Auburn Recreation District. Recreation District sports director Jerry Fisher said the Koenigs are part of the reason pickleball has grown in local popularity. When they spotted a slanted tennis court in Meadow Vista that nobody wanted to play on, they rallied the recreation district to convert it into a pickleball court. Now more than 400 people compete in the spring tournament.'

While registration is already closed, locals can watch the action and play during the week.

“I would say come out and take a look at it and learn how to play,” Fisher said. “It’s a great way to stay active. People who are in their high seventies are still very into it. Recreation Services Manager Sheryl Petersen said people have signed up from as far as Idaho for the Spring Pickleball Tournament. She said people of all ages could enjoy the game.

“Say you've been a tennis player all your life, but it’s gotten too fast,” Petersen said. “Pickleball is a slower pace game that is equally as competitive. People can play in their fifties, sixties and seventies.” The Koenigs teach newbies the in and outs of pickleball at the Meadow Vista Pickleball courts every Wednesday morning at 8:30 a.m. Game play is Monday and Wednesdays beginning at 3 p.m.

“We do it for free,” Ingrid Koenig said. “We are just glad to see people enjoying it.”