Pickleball At LBCC

 The pickleball courts on LBCC’s Albany campus are a popular place to play and learn the sport of pickleball. In 2019 the city of Albany would replace the tennis courts with pickleball courts for an estimated $300,000, and LBCC would then be responsible for maintaining the courts. In April of 2020 it was officially 300,000 to officially renovate the old tennis courts into 8 pickleball courts and one sports court for tennis. By August of 2021 the renovation was finished and their was now 12 pickleball courts.

There was some criticism of the $330,000 project of why the city needs to spend so much on just pickleball courts instead of things like homelessness. There was also a lot of positive talk and excitement from the Albany Pickleball Club and some community members saying they would be well used. 

Pickleball is a popular paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a smaller court with a perforated plastic ball and solid paddles. 

The sport is known for its social and recreational nature, making it appealing to people of all ages and skill levels. 

• I went to the Pickleball courts to see what the players thought. Jim from Albany and his 2 girls and boy, ranging from 6-14 years old were really enjoying there time. He said that he got into pickleball a few years back and takes his kids out to play in the sun if the weather permits. I asked him what he thought about the growing popularity of the sport and he likes how it is growing because it is really fun and his kids love it also. 

     

Looking around there was a positive and happy atmosphere and after asking  outloud to all the players on the courts if pickleball is better than tennis, everyone gave me a big yell of heck yes. It was a different word but I will keep this story G rated to go along with the G rated game of pickleball.

Talking to players I learned that some like and some can't stop playing it, but everyone wants Pickleball part of their lives. So I am thinking about this newly popular sport myself before I miss out on it. 

To use the pickleball courts at LBCC for activities other than the scheduled open play sessions or community education classes, individuals or groups need to contact the Albany Parks and Recreation department and follow the college's facility use policies and fees.

The Pickleball courts at LBCC are a great way to get exercise and have a lot of fun. Seeing and going past these courts multiple times a day, you’re likely to see old and young alike with big smiles and laughter that echoes through the campus. 

There must be a reason so much laughter and good times are happening over on the northwest side of the campus next to the newly remodeled Periwinkle Child Care Center. 

 

So in summary, the Albany Pickleball Club controls designated reserved court times through their agreement with LBCC, while the general public can access the courts on a first-come basis during non-reserved times without needing a reservation

At A Glance:

• LBCC has dedicated outdoor pickleball courts on its Albany campus. These courts are used for various pickleball activities, including open play sessions. 

LBCC offers community education classes to teach beginners the basics of pickleball. 

Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays: 9 a.m. to noon

Tuesdays, Thursdays: Noon to 3 p.m.

Fridays: 5 to 8 p.m. (advanced play)

Sundays: 2 to 5 p.m. 

The Albany Visitors Association also organizes "Learn to Play Pickleball" events at the LBCC courts, typically starting at 10 a.m. These events are designed to introduce the sport to newcomers