Deborah Prescott | Daily Press Sally Bruce jumps and reaches to volley a pickleball back to opponents while team member Shirley Gollack watches. Other pickleball players are seen in the background. Pickleball is a sport played indoor or outdoor on courts, with paddles and a ball resembling a whiffle ball. All ages can play and the game is considered a hybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong.

ESCANABA — Every Tuesday and Thursday, between 10:45 a.m. and 2:30 p.m., 30 to 40 people of all ages play a game called Pickleball at the Catherine Bonifas Civic Center in Escanaba. During the school year, the court is also open on Saturdays from 5 to 7 p.m.

The game Pickleball has a curious name, though it comes from a combination of common games, ahybrid of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, Pickleball is a paddle sport for all levels and ages of players. The ball is similar to a wiffleball and the players use paddles to hit the ball over the net. Depending on the skill level of the player, it can become quite competitive and fast-paced.

“I have been here three years and it is continuing to grow,” said Kim Peterson, city of Escanaba recreation director.

Pickleball was created in 1965 by three fathers who needed to find something for their children to do on Bainbridge Island, off the coast of Seattle, Wash. From there it has grown nationally, into Canada and European and Asian countries.

The game is played with two or four people and the playing area and rules are the same whether played as doubles or singles.

Equipment is available, but limited at the center.

“The more experienced players will get their own paddles of better quality and some bring their own balls,” Peterson said.

Denise Wilson heard about Pickleball from her volleyball group. She has played Pickleball for one and a half years now.

“Pickleball is very enjoyable and for any age,” said Wilson. “Today we have someone playing who’s on spring break.”

Currently there is a new group learning on Monday and Wednesday from 10:30 a.m. to noon with the help of some experienced players.

Sally Bruce has played Pickleball for five years and heard about the game from her tennis group.

“I play tennis as well as Pickleball,” said Bruce. “It’s a fabulous sport, but we need more courts. The players who have gone south for the winter will be back soon and there will not be enough room for everyone to play.”

Peterson said there is an outside court near Lemerand Field and the city of Escanaba is working on getting additional courts ready for later in the year.

“We are working on getting the four tennis courts in Ludington Park redone with multi-use (markings) for tennis and pickleball and adjustable netting,” said Peterson.