Woman shares how pickleball changed her life -- and why players have to 'build' their own court
Does pickleball deserve the hate it's been getting?
A woman shared how the sport has transformed her life - for the better.
Her insight comes amidst a spate of pickleball noise complaints, including one incident where players allegedly set up a makeshift court in Mountbatten.
Stomper Jo says the sport is not only good exercise, but also allows her to make new friends. However, it is extremely difficult to book a pickleball court.
She explained: "I started playing in July and have been trying to book pickleball courts under ActiveSG for months with help from friends and relatives, but we have not had any luck.
"You can ballot for two slots each day. Till today, I have failed to ballot almost 100 times."
Her family and friends have also tried securing slots, but to no avail.
"Out of desperation, we made our own court near a playground at our place," Jo added. "But as we are using tape, we might have to redo the court again each time it rains."
Jo declined to share the exact location of the makeshift court in case it is removed, but said: "I have communicated with the authorities to build a permanent court here, but they said there are no such plans.
"Ever since we built this court, I have seen residents using it to play badminton too, which is fine with us. I have also been going around the north region of Singapore to play at those open badminton courts.
"Perhaps the town councils and ActiveSG can work together to allow badminton courts to be interchangeable for pickleball use."
Asked what she thinks about the surge in pickleball noise complaints, Jo told Stomp: "I agree the sound can be quite loud, so we try to play within the stipulated timing (9am to 10pm) at public courts."
The Stomper further elaborated on her love for pickleball: "I have never been a racket person in my whole life, but pickleball is so easy to pick up and has boosted my confidence in playing a sport.
"It is really very addictive as you can see from many reels online. You actually want to play daily!
"You also get to know new people by joining various groups. So far, the people that I have met are humble and willing to teach.
"My life has become more occupied and, last but not least, I exercise!"
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