Members of the Port Allegany Pickleball group gathered Sunday afternoon at  the Pickleball Court in Community Park located on Edison Bates Drive.  Paula Moses thanked everyone for coming and explained how Pickleball came to Port Allegany.  Paula and her husband, Marty, were introduced to the game of Pickleball in Florida where they wintered.  It was not a new game to many.  In fact, Pickleball was invented in 1965 in the state of Washington. Two years ago, while trying to find something to fill the time during the summer months in Port Allegany, the couple decided to bring Pickleball to Port Allegany.  It all started with a call to Tony Edgell, Port Allegany Rec Authority President, to ask permission to use the tennis courts.  Paula then joined the USA Pickleball association and wrote a grant for a portable net and balls, and advertised on the app Team Reach and Places to Play, Signs were hung in downtown businesses for an organizational meeting and the word spread. 

The group has grown in two years to 70+ people ranging in age from elementary students to high school and college and older.  The Port Pickleball core members have grown this program with their time and own money, but they looked to the community for support.  They would like to thank the Port Allegany Rotary Club and Ardagh for their support as well as GrayMac Soft Wash for giving the court a great cleaning.  Pickleball is a game that is popular for all ages.  It is social and fun to play and is the fastest growing sport in America.  The members of Port Pickleball are brainstorming future ideas for next year to raise funds for upkeep of equipment and possibly a tournament.  The group is proud to say they have a growing facility in Port Allegany for the community to enjoy.