A real pickle - ball that is

It had been a dream for five long years, and on Saturday the dream of having dedicated pickleball courts in Vernon became a reality.

The Vernon Pickleball Association officially opened 12 courts and two practice courts at Marshall Field in Okanagan Landing.

Anne Longley, with the club, said pickleball is one on fastest growing sports in North America because it is easy to learn, not expensive to get into and can be played by all ages.

The VPA has players in their teens and all the way up to players in their 90s.

“It's a really fun sport to play at a recreational level and if you want to get further in to it, you can also play at a competitive level,” said Longley. “It's played on a badminton-sized court which is really manageable. Most of the play is doubles play and that's why all ages can play. It's not a very strenuous sport to play.”