Since 2013, the City of Glendale Community Services & Parks Dept. has incorporated and welcomed the pickleball community at various locations within the city. On Monday, April 24 volunteers from Glendale Pickleball will conduct a demonstration of the sport to interested individuals with Parkinson’s and their caretakers.

Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking and stiffness and difficulty walking, balance and coordination. Parkinson’s symptoms usually begin gradually and get worse over time. As the disease progresses, people may have difficulty walking and talking. The goal is to introduce the sport and provide a means for persons with Stage 1 and Stage 2 Parkinson’s to get out and be active while they still can. Volunteers will introduce the sport, provide demonstrations, and show participants how to find pickleball locations closer to their homes.

Pickleball is a low-impact sport that combines many elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played indoors and outdoors on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net. Pickleball is a paddle sport played with a wooden or composite paddle and a plastic ball with holes. Pickleball can be played in doubles or singles format and enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.

Pickleball for Parkinson’s will take place on April 24 from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m. at Pacific Park & Community Center located at 501 S. Pacific Ave. in Glendale. For questions about the event, email glendalepickleball@gmail.com. For questions about the pickleball program at the park or other programs available at Pacific Park & Community Center, call (818) 548-4098.