Could Lehighton be the next municipality to join the pickleball frenzy?

Several borough residents endorsed the sport and urged borough council on Monday to consider it at Baer Memorial Park.

Mark Hoffman said that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States.

Pickleball is a combination of tennis, table tennis, and badminton. The game is played on a court with a net. The surface is smaller than a tennis court.

Hoffman shared a proposal to allow three pickleball courts on the existing basketball courts at Baer Memorial.

He said the current basketball courts are underutilized.

Hoffman said there would be a minimal cost to paint lines and purchase portable nets on wheels. The nets cost approximately $500 each.

He said other options that were considered were utilizing the existing tennis court at the Grove by painting additional lines within the tennis court; constructing four new permanent courts on the north side of the tennis/basketball court at the Grove; or constructing four new permanent courts at Skyline park.

Hoffman said constructing four new permanent courts at either Skyline or the Grove would be the preferred long-term option provided enough money could be raised or obtained.

Susie Zern and Tracy Newton told council there are few opportunities to play pickleball in the borough.

Councilman Donnie Rehrig shared his perspective.

“I think the most practical place would be on the basketball court,” Rehrig said. “I feel is would be more feasible as long as (the nets) can be taken down.”

Councilman Ryan Saunders said he agreed, and added “it would be great to make use of Skyline.”

“I think that should be the ultimate goal,” Saunders said. “I think it would really be great to make some kind of use out of Skyline.”

The borough would become the latest local municipality to have a place to play the rapidly-growing sport.

Last month, Walnutport borough council unanimously approved a quote of $2,470 from S & G Asphalt Service, Slatington, to line its pickleball and basketball courts. Of that, $1,560 is to line the pickleball court, and the $910 to line the basketball court.