SIDNEY – A group of local residents have found a new outlet for recreation in Sidney, gathering every Tuesday and Wednesday evening to play pickleball at the newly resurfaced courts next to the Cheyenne County Community Center.

Sidney Regional Medical Center Oncologist and Hematologist Dr. Ariel Soriano said the informal group begins play after 5 p.m. and is hoping to organize a league in the near future. The gatherings are open to anyone interested, regardless of experience level.

Pickleball, one of the fastest-growing sports in the country, is a paddle game that combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court with a lowered tennis net. Players use paddles to hit a perforated plastic ball, often called a wiffle ball, over the net. Games are typically played to 11 points and can be singles or doubles.

The rules emphasize quick rallies and underhand serves, and the smaller court size makes it accessible to people of all ages and skill levels.

Community members are invited to bring paddles (although paddles are available at the courts for those who don't have access to them), join in on the weekly matches and learn the game as interest grows toward forming a league.