Locals celebrate opening of new public court

YUMA, Arizona (KECY, KYMA) – The opening of the town’s first public pickleball court is a moment many Yumaans have been waiting for for years.

The sport is a mini version of tennis, played with paddles and wiffle balls.

Pickleball is considered the fastest growing sport in the United States, so locals are just a fraction of the more than 8 million players in the United States.

Jay Berglund has been playing at the town’s local resort for four years, but says finally getting a public court was huge for the community.

“Over the past year we have participated in many conferences and committees and this is the result,” says Berglund.

The game lasts about 15 minutes, and Berglund adds that it takes even less time to learn how to play.

Welton’s Ruth Widmark proved that pickleball is truly a sport for everyone.

“I’m 85, if you want to hear it,” said Widmark. “I still play tennis. I also play pickleball.

Widmark says the public courts are a great addition to Yuma County and hopes to build more courts.

She says the game itself is fun, but it’s the local community of players that makes it worth the drive from Welton.

“Everyone is so nice, they’re so caring. You can come and play anytime, you can come in anytime. It’s a fun sport and everyone is so kind,” said Widmark.

This Saturday, April 1st, the city will host a ribbon cutting and tournament.

Sign-ups for the tournament are now closed, but players here say it’s never too late to start pickleball.