What's Up - Your guide to what's happening in Fayetteville, AR this week!
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here. But perhaps the biggest one is this: They want more opportunities to play. "Having established places for learning to play is a challenge, because of our lack of programming and places to play at this moment," says Williams. "We are working to change that." "I got interested in being an ambassador in 2018 when I was serving as the president of the Adult Wellness Center pickleball club [in Rogers]," Hotchkiss says. "I was trying to expand offerings at the center in regards to lessons and growth. We have approximately 275 people playing on three indoor courts. So taking court time away for lessons, league play, etc., is difficult. "This is when I realized the lack of places to play pickleball in Northwest Arkansas compared to other towns and cities," she goes on. "So last year, a proposal was made to the city of Rogers for permanent pickleball courts. Then Kate and I and others promoted the sport last summer at the Rogers Farmers Market, and we had a lot of interest from families. We wrote a proposal for the city of Rogers about the demographics and economics of the sport [and] now we [have been told we'll] have eight permanent pickleball courts in the new Mount Hebron Park, along with four tennis courts which have been requested to be temporarily lined for tournaments. These eight courts will be the first in Northwest Arkansas by a city entity. "This has been the journey that I have formally been on for the past year with Kate," Hotchkiss adds. "Increasing places to play, finding, teaching other pickleball addicts in the area and to bring resources for learning to the area. I have had my health and social experience grow so much through this sport and want to expand to all ages." Williams says regular play happens Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at Walker Park in Fayetteville and during the day at the Yvonne Richardson Center. "And honestly, in the end, if you just show up where play is happening, someone will show you how to do it," she says. "And in 15 minutes, you can be having fun with it. "I know a lot of friends who will tell you that the traveling and friendships from pickleball have changed their lives." Your local expert on Bella Vista Bella Vista has so much to offer! Whether it's mountain biking, golf, camping or getting on the lakes, Bella Vista has something for everyone! (Most amenities aren't limited to residents) Visit discoverbellavistaAR.com for all your planning needs FEATURE 38 WHAT'S UP! JULY 21-27, 2019 NWA Democrat-Gazette/ANDY SHUPE Jill Engert (from left) and playing partner Gerald Dunham laugh with opponents Morris McMillon and Richard Alaimo after completing a game of pickleball at the Rogers Adult Wellness Center. Camaraderie is one of the attractions of the game, says USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Kate Taylor Williams. Pickleball Continued From Page 37