Pickleball ‘open’ goal to have fun, inspire players

    The pickleball group who plays in Imperial is planning an “open play” this Saturday from 12 noon to 4 p.m. in the 4-H exhibit building at the fairgrounds.
    “Actually, our games are always open to anyone, anytime, who wants to come play,” said Marla Hamilton.
    “But Saturday, we have invited players from North Platte and McCook to join us, as well as inviting the local community to come watch or try your hand playing.”
    Hamilton said she hopes to get people to come see what it’s all about and maybe spark some more interest to increase the numbers participating.
    “There’s no pressure to play like a pro at all. We laugh, kid around and just have a really good time. It’s a casual, friendly atmosphere to be in and make new friends—great fellowship,” she said.
    There’s no cost to play, and equipment is always available to use, eliminating the need to purchase anything to start playing, Hamilton said.
    During the winter, the pickleball players meet at the 4-H exhibit building at the fairgrounds for their games.
    During the warmer months, they play at the tennis courts on West 6th Street across from the skatepark, she said.
How it all started
    About two years ago, some people in the community decided to take an example from Grant and get together to start playing pickleball for fun and exercise, said Hamilton.
    “Right now, we have about 14 people who play in Imperial twice a week on Mondays and Thursdays at 6 p.m.,” Hamilton said. “Our players are from the local area, with a few traveling from Grant and Holyoke, Colorado.”

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