It’s a little bit like tennis,
… or badminton,
… or ping pong,
… even raquetball.
However you choose to describe Pickleball, be prepared to enjoy yourself when you play your first game, and yes, you will be planning your second game, and your third.
The Brunswick Recreation Department, with the help of self-described “pickleball pro” Nancy Heiser, has become an early promoter of the game in the Brunswick area, offering open court time six days each week, during a normal week at the Brunswick Landing center. 
“You can play singles, you can play doubles,” Heiser observed during a demonstration series to members of People Plus last month. “One of the things that makes Pickleball special is the way it adapts to a person’s skills and abilities.” Heiser is a former, “in-deep” tennis player, who now stakes her future prowess solidly on Pickleball.
“I love it,” her enthusiasm bubbles over. “Anyone can do it, everyone benefits from it.” She offers classes and de

monstrations, “at the drop of a ball. People try it, they are going to love it,” she added.
Played on a 20-foot by 44-foot court, a pickleball is a hollow, wiffle-type ball, just a little larger than a baseball.
It is delivered and returned over a knee-high net, using a paddle perhaps twice the size of a ping pong paddle. The Brunswick Recreation Department has installed a pair of courts at the new center off Neptune Drive, and its offerings are ambitious. 
Floor areas adjacent to the indoor track are shared with the basketball enthusiasts, but open times are scheduled ever day of the week except Thursday. Check the website at www.brunswickme.org/departments/parks-recreation or call them at 725-6656 to confirm times. Wednesday the courts open at 8:30 a.m. with beginners and open play scheduled from 1-2:30 p.m. You must pre-register if you want to be in the beginners class. Game fees at the rec department are $2 for Brunswick residents and $3 for nonresidents. The center has a selection of paddles and pickleballs for players.
In a prepared statement, the rec center explained, “we are glad to see new players, and often, if space allows, current players will take time from their games to show you the basic. Sometimes the most comfortable learning experience is one of several clinics offered throughout the year.”  
Heiser takes that offer one step better. “Call me,” she says (725-4243). Maybe we can produce a class for you or your group.” 
Frank Connors is membership services coordinator at People Plus Center. He can be reached at 729-0757 or frank@peopleplusmaine.org.