KELSEYVILLE, Calif. — Looking for a way to meet people, get some exercise, and have so much fun that you won’t even notice all the calories you’re burning?

Head on over to the new pickleball courts located on Lincoln Street in Kelseyville, adjacent to the Gard Street tennis facility.

Invented in 1965 by three dads trying to amuse their kids, pickleball is a combination of tennis, badminton and Ping-Pong.

The sport has a welcoming vibe, is inexpensive, and is easy enough that newcomers can immediately play.

Named the fastest growing sport in the nation for the last two years by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball is equally enjoyed by men and women of all ages.

Michael Shay, president of the Lake County Tennis Association, was instrumental in bringing pickleball to the area.

Funded by a few local donations, he and a handful of volunteers from the association converted a portion of the cracked, weed-ridden asphalt in the Gard Street tennis facility into two smooth, bright green pickleball courts, each about a quarter of the size of a tennis court.

Play began in January and it soon became clear that more courts were needed. With a generous donation from Lake County Tribal Health, two more courts were added, again with an all-volunteer labor crew.

Nets, balls and paddles are provided by the association, although many purchase their own paddles once hooked on the sport.

Shay has plans for additional courts and equipment as need increases and funding allows. This latest effort will require significant funds and approval of the Kelseyville Unified School District.

Tribal Health has started off the fundraising effort by pledging $10,000 provided all the needed
Money is raised.

For more information, visit https://lctennis.org/ or email questions to Michael Shay at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it..

Better yet, cruise on over to Lincoln Street and check out the action Monday, Wednesday and Friday from 8 to 11 a.m., Tuesday and Thursday from 6 to 9 p.m., and Sunday from 9 to 11 a.m. If you go, don’t be surprised if you run home and buy a paddle.