Pickleball is rapidly growing in popularity, and the McGregor-Palisade area has embraced the sport with enthusiasm. Players can find courts at Covenant Pines, Shamrock Recreation Area, Swanson Park in Palisade and McGregor School.

Local players are also working to improve opportunities for the growing pickleball community. A recent Glow in the Dark Phantasic Pickleball Event at Covenant Pines raised approximately $1,400 for wind nets and other improvements at the Shamrock courts, while the Minnewawa Sportsmen’s Club contributed another $1,000.

Much of the sport’s local growth can be credited to pickleball enthusiasts Roger and Janet Lindgren, who began playing in 2017 and have since helped introduce countless area residents to the game. From teaching community classes to helping stripe more than 20 courts, the Lindgrens continue to “spread the joy” of pickleball.

With an estimated 60 to 75 local players, the area’s pickleball family continues to grow.