WHITE OAK, Texas (KLTV) – There’s a push for pickleball — and it’s coming from White Oak.
A group of about 50 players look to officially become a club and a nonprofit to contribute to the upkeep of the local courts.
“I think it’s the fastest growing sports in the United States. It’s growing so fast in East Texas,” event organizer and pickle baller John Finney said.
White Oak Pickle Ballers look to make their group an official club by obtaining a non-profit license through the state.
“We already have people who have stepped up to be on the board of directors and also to help manage the club,” tournament organizer and pickle baller Jessica Guire said.
And not a moment too soon, because the demand is growing.
White Oak Pickle Ballers said in the past three months, attendance has increased between 40-50%. And on an average night out here, you can see about 50 pickle ballers playing the game.
About ten months ago, the City of White Oak transformed the park’s old tennis courts into eight pickleball courts.
“It absolutely makes White Oak more of a destination,” Guire said. “People are really ready to get on the courts. As soon as people started learning there were pickleball courts here, we were getting people from all over East Texas to play.”
Players from as far as Carthage, Tatum and Marshall travel to White Oak for their pickleball courts.
The players plan to use their club as a way to maintain the new addition.
“That way, everything we take in goes back to the courts themselves. Say a net breaks, we can just pay for it,” Finney said.
The group also plans to number the courts and create an organization system to regulate play.
“These courts get full and we have people waiting,” Finney said. “So, the paddle system is a way of saying: who’s next?”
They hope to continue giving people of all ages and experience a spot on the court.
“This is the future of pickleball,” Tena Novy said of her 13 year old pickleball partner, David Lancaster.
Tena and David may have an age gap, but there’s zero teamwork gap.
“The great thing about playing with this guy,” Tena said. “He’s young, he’s quick He gets everything! It makes it easy for someone like me to play with him.”
“I want everybody to play the game! Have fun. That’s my most. best thing: have fun!” Lancaster said.
The White Oak Pickle ballers are currently fundraising for the creation of their club.
All proceeds go toward funding court repairs and maintenance.
The group plays on Friday and Sunday evenings at White Oak City Park and encourages anyone interested to stop by for a game — or to join the club!
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