(Vail, Colo.) - The Vail Recreation District is proud to introduce an indoor pickleball open gym this winter. Pickleball is currently the fastest growing sport in the country and has been a popular summer activity at the Golden Peak tennis courts. Pickleball is a paddle sport open to all ages and levels with easy rules for beginners and a fast-paced competitive game for more experienced players.

Indoor open gym pickleball begins this week, taking place at Red Sandstone Elementary School on Thursdays from 6-9 p.m. and on Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. Three full pickleball courts will be available and both sessions are open to those of all ages, abilities and experience. Cost is $5 per person and a five-punch card for $25 or a ten-punch card for $45 are also available to credit toward sessions.

Jerry Stevens, a tennis pro for the Vail Tennis Center in the summer, is thrilled to continue this exciting program. "Pickleball has been very successful in the summer months and I am glad we can offer the program this winter to pickleball enthusiasts and newcomers," said Stevens. Several pickleball paddles will be available to borrow, however participants are encouraged to bring their own. For experienced players that are accustomed to playing on outdoor courts in the summer, this article details the differences between playing indoors and outdoors.

VRD Sports continues to run drop-in open gyms for basketball (Mondays), futsal (Tuesdays) and volleyball (Fridays) from 6 - 9 p.m. For more information on all other VRD sports offerings, go to www.vailrec.com/sports or call 970-479-2280.