By michael hayakawa

Art Woodruff is spreading the word to his Whitchurch-Stouffville neighbours about a game he loves to play.

With a warning: those who take part become addicted.

It's called pickleball.

Pickleball, you say?

The 70-year-old Ballantrae resident says the game, which originated near Seattle, Washington in 1965 was named after a family dog named Pickles who would chase after balls and then hide them in the bushes. It's a fast-paced paddle game combining elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis.

Conducted in a singles or doubles format indoors or outdoors, the playing surface utilized is similar to a badminton court measuring 20 feet in width by 44 feet in length. A net is employed at centre court. But unlike tennis or badminton, it is set up a few inches lower in height, 34 inches to be precise.

To play the game, participants strike a perforated ball about the size of a large orange or grapefruit with a custom-designed paddle constructed of wood, composite or graphite.

Serves are made in an underhanded fashion from hand directly to the paddle and delivered cross court. Only one serve attempt is allowed, although if the ball strikes the net and goes over into the service area, it is served again.

Introduced to the game two years ago through a friend, Woodruff cited pickleball is one of the fastest growing sports in North America.

While it caters to a large segment of the senior-aged population, the younger generation has gained an appreciation of it.

"I've seen kids play it who are 15 years old. And it's been catching on in colleges and high schools in the United States," he said. "Here in Canada, there's even leagues that have begun in Scarborough, Kitchener-Waterloo, Alberta and British Columbia. It's an easy game for beginners to learn. It's gaining momentum."

The lone drawback he and other local participants encountered is the absence of playing facilities.

Especially since he wants to increase awareness of the game to other Whitchurch Stouffville residents.

For the time being, Woodruff and 50 other players from Ballantrae have been making the trek to the Magna Centre in Newmarket where a basketball court has been divided into four pickleball courts.

To assist Woodruff in his quest to spread the game's popularity in Stouffville, he noted

The Town of Whitchurch Stouffville's department of leisure services has offered support by painting six temporary pickleball courts on the Stouffville Arena Pad B floor for use by local residents.

You are are invited to the Ninth Line arena July 2 from 2 to 5 p.m. to watch exhibition games.

You can try the game at no cost. Equipment will be supplied. Wear shorts or pants, t-shirts and appropriate running shoes.

The courts will be open from July 3 to 27 from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Fridays.

"I think youngsters will pick up the game quickly. But we've got to start somewhere," he said. "Once people play it, the game can be addictive."

The courts will close once ice is installed late this summer.

Woodruff is optimistic a permanent, year-round facility will be found, since participation in the game tends to be at its peak during the winter months.