Hundreds of people turned out at Beverly Hills Tennis Center on Jan. 12 to celebrate the kickoff of Pickleball in Beverly Hills. The City’s Community Services department, in collaboration with City Council, the Recreation and Parks Commission and the community helped bring the sport–popular throughout the country–to Beverly Hills.
The sport combines aspects of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It’s very easy to learn and well-suited for kids, families, active adults, and seniors.
In his remarks, Mayor John A. Mirisch described pickleball as a sport that appeals to both young and old and everyone in between. “Thanks to the vision of members in our community, our Recreation and Parks Commission and our Community Services Department, this idea has come to fruition,” said Mirisch. “Beverly Hills strives to provide quality recreation programs to preserve the health and well-being of our community members and program participants. In offering recreational programs, we are strengthening and supporting our communities, promoting social bonds, providing physical and mental benefits.”
Recreation and Parks Commission Chair Julian Javor encouraged the crowd to learn more about Pickleball through our Beverly Hills Tennis and Pickleball Professionals as well as members of the USA Pickleball Association in attendance.
“While the City offers hundreds of classes and programs with over 17,500 annual registrations, as well as youth and adult sports, including tennis, we did not have a Pickleball program. And this is one of the fastest growing sports today. First- timers can learn as quickly as 15 minutes. It can be social or highly competitive, which is why it’s so much fun to play,” said Javor.
The six-month pilot program will be used to gauge interest in deciding whether or not to continue the program. By the turnout at the Kickoff Event, it seems this sport is here to stay.
“For those of you who are new to the sport, we hope you enjoy it and spread the word. For those of you who are experienced, we hope you will be ambassadors and encourage more people to play in Beverly Hills,” added Mirisch.
For more information on how to get involved in pickleball, call Community Services at 310-285-6810 or the Beverly Hills Pro Shop at 310-652-7555. For reservations, lessons and clinics, visit www.beverlyhills.org/pickleball.
