The Memorial Gym’s pickleball courts are usually busy.
Photo: Claudette Dupee
By Claudette Dupee
It’s been 20 years since pickleball, a paddle sport related to both tennis and ping-pong, came to Sanford. It’s going strong today with more than 400 players of all ages.
Sanford resident Duke Dugre brought pickleball to his hometown in the spring of 2007, after he and his wife were introduced to it in South Carolina. He encouraged his longtime friend and neighbor Roger Huppe to come out and try pickleball at Carpentier Park. Upon Dugre’s passing, Huppe stepped in. Now he’s been the USPA Maine ambassador for southern Maine for almost 15 years. He has organized pickleball events throughout southern Maine and managed many community programs.
The sport has enthusiastic fans in town. Most say they enjoy the sense of community, the friendships they forge, and the exercise. “It’s a great way for all ages to be together,” one player noted this week.
Pickleball was first played indoors at Nasson Community Center with one court; it was a good day when four players showed up. It expanded to four courts three years ago and after a while, it could not keep up with the increasing interest. Huppe approached the city to expand the sport to Memorial Gym.
There are now six pickleball courts for different levels of play at Memorial Gym, while Nasson Community Center has four courts for more advanced levels.
Pickleball has a reputation as an older person’s sport, but the average age for players nationally is 37. The age range of players in Sanford reflects this. No one is too old to play. Everyone is welcome, and players can enjoy the sport as often as they want.
Huppe advises players to have fun with the game, get some exercise, and most importantly, enjoy the social interaction.
If you are interested in playing, contact Roger Huppe at roger.huppe@gmail.com.
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