Getting people in shape throughout Deptford is the goal of the township’s own pickleball program for all ages.
Deptford recreation director Charlie Kirchner said the program is open to young adults and seniors and meets next to the tennis courts in Fasola Park on Mondays and Thursdays from 4 to 6 p.m. through October.
“People should wear loose-fitting clothes with sneakers,” he advised. “The equipment is provided, but people can also bring their own. It is a great form of exercise for people.”
Pickleball is much like tennis, except it is played on a much smaller badminton court and paddles are used instead of rackets. Played in singles or doubles, it also combines aspects of sports like table tennis and badminton. The game ball resembles a wiffleball with holes.
Kirchner said the mayor and council asked him to start the township’s pickleball program in 2018.
“I did not know about it until I was introduced to it after I made contact with South Jersey pickleball,” he said. “We started out with seven people in the program and have over 250 people playing.”
Deptford pickleball tournaments are spread out over a few days: The next one takes place from Thursday through Sunday. Registration has closed, but residents can go to observe. Proceeds raised from the tournament will go to the Deptford veterans’ fund.
“One-hundred-and-sixty people have registered in 19 events,” said Kirchner. “People get a shirt for participating and medals will be given out to those who finish in first through fourth places.”
Mayor Paul Medany will present a check to township veterans at noon Friday. Call (609) 634-3694 or email ckirchner@deptford-nj.org for more information on the tournament and other pickleball updates.
