New! Pickleball Under The Stars in This Hudson Valley Town

The hottest and fastest growing sport these days just got even bigger, as residents of this Dutchess County town will now have the opportunity to take the courts after dark. Would you believe that New York ranks among the top states for pickleball?

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Pickleball Craze in the Hudson Valley

Seemingly out of nowhere, pickleball entered the chat, and has grown so much in popularity that courts are popping up all over the place. Even the former Christmas Tree Shops in Poughkeepsie will soon reopen as an indoor pickleball facility.

The professionals will tell you that the sport in itself combines Tennis, badminton and ping pong, with a badminton sized court, a net that is comparable to the one used in Tennis, and the paddle most similar to that used in ping-pong, only bigger and slightly different material.

Less demanding than Tennis, the goal is similar, to score points by volleying the ball back and forth over the net. If a team doesn't score a single point during the Game...they've been pickled.

The first player, or team, that reaches 11 points with a 2-point lead over the opponent, that's the winner. Research shows that the Game actually dates back to the 1960's, but has become quite the craze in recent years.

SEE ALSO: Dutchess County Welcomes New Pickleball Courts

Pickleball Under The Lights in Wappinger

Just announced, and now officially open, the Town of Wappinger Board has informed residents they are now able to play pickleball under the lights at Martz Field on Pye Lane.

Together with the Buildings and Grounds Department and Town Board, Town Supervisor Joseph D. Cavaccini and Councilman Al Casella have worked to upgrade the electrical at the Martz Field courts in order to allow for evening play under the lights.

Town Supervisor, Joseph D. Cavaccini shared the following regarding the improvements and expansion to include evening play:

The town of Wappinger is committed to improving and enhancing the quality of life of our residents, and through these recent park Infrastructure improvements, we have been able to do so. We are so excited to offer our neighbors the ability to play pickleball under the lights at Martz Field Recreation Facility as we continue to increase our recreational opportunities here in the Town of Wappinger!

Speaking from personal experience from someone whose daughter has attended the town summer camp at Martz Field for the past several years, those pickleball courts are packed every single morning, so the extended hours are sure to be a welcome addition to the town.

You can keep up with both pickleball under the stars updates, and all things from the Town of Wappinger through their Facebook page.