Pickleball sport now at Mercer County Park
WEST WINDSOR, N.J. — Local officials and the Tennis Center in Mercer County Park welcomed the unique sport of pickleball to four new ‘’pickleball only’’ courts during a ceremonial ribbon cutting Nov. 17. 
– Provided photo
The Mercer County Park Commission, County Executive Brian M. Hughes, joined by other local officials such as Freeholders John Cimino and Pat Colavita, and East Windsor Mayor Janice Mironov cut the ribbon to open the new courts in the park.
“Pickleball has become increasingly popular throughout the country, and we’re pleased that people can now enjoy the game on regulation courts right here at the Mercer County Tennis Center,” said Hughes.
Pickleball is a lively racket sport that combines elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton. Two, three or four individuals play the game using paddles made of wood or composite materials to hit a perforated plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, over a net.
“The great thing about pickleball is that it’s easy to learn and can be played by people of all ages,” said Hughes.
A pickleball court is similar to the overall size of a badminton court, which is 20 feet by 44 feet for both singles and doubles play. However, the net is lowered 36 inches on the ends and 34 inches in the middle. There is also a 7-foot no-volley zone on each side of the net to prevent “spiking.” 
– Provided photo
By comparison, a regulation tennis court is 27 feet by 78 feet for singles, and 36 feet wide for doubles.
In any event, pickleball players serve the ball diagonally, starting at the right-hand service square. Only the side that serves can score points. The player continues to serve the ball alternating service courts until he or she faults. The first side scoring 11 points and leading by at least two points wins the game.
The fee to play pickleball at Mercer County Park is the same as playing tennis. Mercer County adult residents may purchase a 2018 tennis/pickleball ID card for $70. The rate for Mercer County juniors/seniors is $35 for the year. And, the non-resident ID card costs $105.
However, if players need light on the courts to play after daylight hours, there is an additional $2 cost. Also, if players decide not to purchase the yearly ID card, the cost is $7 per person each time they play.
Pickleball court times runs for 90 minutes per game. Players may reserve a court three days in advance with their ID cards.
The 2018 ID card is available for purchase at https://register.communitypass.net/mercer.
