Fort Worth residents desiring the chance to try pickleball can check out free kits from various Fort Worth library locations.

The details

According to a city news release, the kits come in either singles with two paddles or doubles with four paddles. They also include:

• Balls
• A net
• Instructions
• A map of Fort Worth pickleball courts
• A bag to carry everything

The backstory

The Association of Pickleball Professionals estimates that 48.3 million adult Americans played pickleball at least once in the previous 12 months, according to the news release. The Fort Worth Park & Recreation Department conducted its first pickleball tournament in June at the Haws Athletic Center.

Robbie Samuel, athletic coordinator at Haws, said the tournament was a success and hosted players of all experience levels ranging in age from 13 to 72.

“The primary goal of the tournament wasn’t just about winning but about bringing the community together and ensuring everyone had a great time,” Samuel said. “Pickleball is very popular here. We typically host free play sessions on Mondays, Tuesdays, Thursdays and Friday mornings, averaging 15-20 participants each day.”