A new game for seniors

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Missie Kohlbeck hopes Farmington’s seniors will be sweet on the latest offering from the city’s Rambling River Center.

Pickleball, a game that combines elements of tennis, ping pong and badminton, will become a twice-weekly fixture on the center’s activity schedule starting May 17. Kohlbeck, the senior center’s coordinator, plans to hold regular sessions for beginners and more advanced players on Tuesdays and Thursdays through June 9.

Pickleball is played on a badminton-sized court with a wooden paddles and a perforated plastic ball that looks a little like a whiffleball. It is a big attraction in retirement communities in Texas and Florida, and it’s starting to catch on in the Twin Cities. The city of Rosemount added pickleball boundaries to one of its tennis courts last summer.

“I know Lakeville does it. Edina does it. Bloomington has a league,” Kohobeck said. “It will be great exercise, and it’s always fun to learn something new.”

Kohlbeck got requests last summer from two Rambling River Center members interested in organizing pickleball games. This year she has a college student willing to organize the activity.

The game is ideal for seniors. It resembles tennis, but the ball doesn’t move as fast and there is less court to cover. It’s a good way to get out and get moving.

Farmington’s first pickleball event will take place Tuesday on the tennis courts at Rambling River Park. There will be a session for beginners at 10 a.m. and a session for intermediate players at 11 a.m.Missie Kohlbeck hopes Farmington’s seniors will be sweet on the latest offering from the city’s Rambling River Center.

Tags: news, farmington, seniors