wellness + fitness
WESTERN SLOPE PICKLEBALL CLUB
KEEPING PACE WITH RAPID RISE IN THE SPORT Words by Richard Rosenblatt | Photos courtesy of Western Slope Pickleball
“Pickleball, anyone?” Or should we say, “Pickleball, everyone!”
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he amazing surge in popularity of what
recreational and competitive events for players
used to be a game for geezers has turned
of all ages and abilities.
pickleball into the fastest growing sport in the
Club membership, which began with 30
United States. The Western Slope has jumped
picklers in 2016, stands at 645 as of mid-2023. It’s
onto the court in a big way, too, thanks in large
a drop in the pickleball bucket considering an
part to the Western Slope Pickleball Club (WSPC)
estimated 4.8 million who are now playing the
in Grand Junction and several driving forces
sport worldwide, but it’s a huge 76.7% increase
within the group.
from two short years ago.
From its inception in 2016, the goal of
Members range from national, regional and
the club has been to promote growth in the
club tournament champions to recreational
sport, improve physical and social well-being
players and beginners. There’s a place for
in the community and provide instructional,
everyone to find their own comfort zone.