A new pickleball court in Owasso is catching the attention of area residents.
The City of Owasso Recreation and Cultural Affairs Department recently added three full-size outdoor pickleball courts to Leiola Park. Athletes like Nathan Purifoy are now traveling more frequently to take part in the trending sport.
“It's a really great setup,” said Purifoy, who showed up Saturday to heat up the game with friend Ben Liniger. “I had a lot of fun playing…and I was really impressed with the quality of the court.”
Liniger, who was visiting Owasso from Texas, added: He has three open courts where people can play. Great location. It is amazing. “
The new pickleball court replaced an aging basketball court on the southwest side of the park, located off the North Owasso Expressway between 76th and 86th Streets.
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“We wanted to maximize the space,” Recreation and Cultural Director Larry Langford previously said. “Due to Layola’s popularity and the opportunity at this location, we decided to open it to the public.”
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis and is played on a small court using a modified tennis net. Participants compete in singles or doubles, volleying plastic balls at each other using sturdy paddles.
Some residents regularly play games at places like the Owasso Family YMCA and Elm Creek Park. However, they have until now had no access to formal, regular-style courts in their homelands.
“The most exciting thing is that we will be providing even more amenities to the community,” Langford said. “…There are always more opportunities for our citizens to get outside and enjoy our parks.”
Langford's department plans to add finishing touches to the coats as the weather warms throughout the spring season.
