News Talk 94.1/AM 1600 Where The Upper Cumberland Talks
Putnam County Parks and Recreation will now offer indoor pickleball courts at the Cookeville Community Center several days a week.
Director John Ross Albertson said community members can play Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. He said knowing pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, they want to create more opportunities for folks to get out and play.
“We know of course that Cane Creek is offering their space to be utilized for this as well as the United First Methodist here in town has a space,” Albertson said. “But those are both really crowded. So we thought, let’s utilize our space. We have the availability.”
Albertson said he believes the draw to pickleball comes from its playability. He said because the court is smaller and requires less physicality than regular tennis, it is more accessible to a wide range of players.
Albertson said although the indoor courts are offered just a few days a week, they plan to expand opportunities in the future. He said they are already working around the rental schedule in order to bring nighttime play opportunities.
“We’re trying to get our feet under us right now in the beginning,” Albertson said. “But we’re looking forward to getting it moving and hopefully doing more in the future.”
