Volunteer Highlight of the Month: Durham Area Pickleball Players

By: Mal Atkinson, Resource Coordinator

Undoubtedly, at some point in the last couple of years, you have seen a tennis court with new (and maybe strange) markings or players walking around with distinctive looking racquets. And you probably have wondered what kind of game is played on the smaller court with a shorter handle racquet. Welcome to pickleball! Pickleball is a sport that combines many components of tennis, badminton and ping-pong. It can be played indoors or out, with a paddle and a plastic ball with holes.

In 2020 a group of enthusiastic players formed the Durham Area Pickleball Players (DAPP) to help spread their love of the sport. They have volunteered hundreds of hours to assist with the many Durham Parks and Recreation pickleball programs, tournaments, clinics and ladders held in the last two years. Today, there are nearly 500 players in the Durham area, largely due to their commitment to grow the sport. Additionally, the group has raised over $10,000 towards the installation of new lighting at Piney Wood Park. Local ambassador Tracey Taylor, a Durham native and DAPP volunteer, was spotlighted as DPR Volunteer of the Month in March of 2021. Tracey is grateful for the sports programs offered in her youth and she said, “It feels good to give back to DPR”. 

Looking to play pickleball or at least get an understanding of the game? Visit our website or check ActiveNet for the latest information about this popular sport!

Thank you Durham Area Pickleball Players for volunteering with DPR!

Are you looking for a way to give back to the Durham community? We are always looking for volunteers to our parks, recreation centers and facilities.

For information about volunteering at an upcoming event, please visit our website, email Mal Atkinson at DPRvolunteers@durhamnc.gov or call 919-560-4355.