It is well-known that exercise is important for both physical and mental health. Being active affects our weight, blood pressure, stamina, moods and sense of wellbeing.
But have you ever considered recreation as a key for developing a sense of community? That is one of the primary benefits of recreation, and that could not be more true for people who partake in all that Blaine-Birch Park and Recreation District 2 (BBBPRD2) has to offer.
Playing pickleball both indoors and outdoors for the past year has given us so much joy. Neither of us had played pickleball before, and we were each at new crossroads in our lives. Dale had moved to the area to pursue a venture that was not feasible anymore due to Covid-19 restrictions, and LaLani had just retired from 40 years of teaching. We didn’t know each other until we both showed up at the gym to find out what this pickleball craze was all about.
In the last year, our lives and our circle of friends have grown exponentially. We have learned so much about pickleball and have become doubles partners, even playing in some local tournaments. But the thing that astounds both of us is how much we have grown to love our community as a result of playing the sport.
As we sit on the bench or at the picnic tables waiting for the next game, we strike up conversations with people we would never have met otherwise. There is such a diverse group of ages, athletic abilities and world experiences. The atmosphere is so welcoming. We cheer for each other’s good shots and, in good nature, jeer each other for the poor shots. People frequently refer to each other as members of their pickleball family.
We support each other off of the courts as well. We show up for each other as we celebrate birthdays, births, graduations, deaths, illness, new homes – all of the things that make up a life.
Pickleball has become our passion, and we have been given a large community of people who have become friends through playing it.
BBBPRD has so many more opportunities to find a community of like-minded people who share your passions. One of our favorite things is to come out of pickleball on a Saturday to see 40 kids waiting to practice soccer or have a Nerf battle. My neighbor loves the benefits she gets from the stretching classes. Many of the people who play pickleball also take Zumba classes and participate in line dancing.
No matter what activity is happening at the recreation center, the people entering and exiting are excitedly talking to each other. So don’t just consider exercise for the benefits to your physical and mental health. Know that in Blaine and Birch Bay, being a part of the recreational program will help you feel connected to your community, and that is something our world needs right now.
