PORTSMOUTH — If you’ve been wanting to try your hand at America’s fastest-growing sport in Portsmouth lately, you’ve been in a real pickle. 

Until this week, that is, when the Parks and Recreation Department started a new pickleball league after lining two tennis courts at Portsmouth High School. (The department had previously offered indoor pickleball at Pennfield School during the winter.)

The configuration allows for four pickleball courts on either side of the fence at the far end of the courts. Separate, dedicated pickleball nets must be set up before each play session.

Recreation Director Wendy Bulk, and Assistant Director April Rios led a ribbon-cutting ceremony on the courts early Thursday evening before several residents grabbed their paddles and played a few rounds of doubles.

“On behalf of the Rhode Island Recreation and Parks Association (RIRPA), we are proud to celebrate the opening of this new pickleball facility,” Bulk said. “This project represents a great example of how local partnerships and community-driven fund-raising can come together to support recreational opportunities across Rhode Island.”

RIRPA was able to provide grant funding through its annual pickleball tournament to help bring the project to life.

“We’re excited to see this space used for play, connection, and wellness for years to come,” Bulk said. “Thanks to school administration, Portsmouth High School for partnering with parks and rec and sharing their space on the court. Also, a big shoutout to the volunteers who took time out of their Sunday afternoon to help put the nets together and put the wind windscreens up,” she said, giving special credit to David Fiorillo, who chairs the Parks and Recreation Committee, fellow member Scott Gallo, and Bulk Lawn and Garden.

“Thank you to all the players, supporters, and municipal partners who helped make this possible,” Bulk said.

The league, for ages 18 and up, has about 31 people now, but registration is still open for open play sessions through August. Go here to get dates and times, and to register online.

Why pickleball?

Pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts, measuring 20 feet wide by 44 feet long, while tennis courts are 36 feet wide and 78 feet long for doubles, or 27 feet wide for singles. In addition, pickleball courts do not have separate doubles alleys, and the net height is lower than with tennis courts.

The smaller court means a less intense pace that’s easier on the joints, which is why pickleball has special appeal to older adults. And since it uses a double format, it promotes more sociability.

Lois Miller, who was playing Thursday with her doubles teammate Kim Hassan, said she enjoys the sport because it clicks a lot of boxes.

“It’s competitive, you get lots of exercise, and it’s very social,” said Miller, adding she played tennis years ago but switched over to pickleball in recent years.

“You have to get used to the ball,” she said of a pickleball, which is made of durable plastic and generally moves slower than a tennis ball. “And, you don’t have to cover as much court.”