Special to the HT
MEEKER | Pickleball, the fastest-growing sport in the United States, is alive and well in Meeker. The popularity of pickleball is growing quickly in Meeker. This past year, more than 45 players have utilized both the indoor and outdoor courts. Players from Mexico, France, Oregon, Texas, Arizona, California, Craig, Rangely and Grand Junction have all played in Meeker. The sport is also being taught to students at Barone Middle School by athletic director Kris Casey. Meeker is home to two open-play groups of players.
The ERBM Recreation and Park District offers open-gym play on Mondays and Wednesdays from 9 to 11 a.m. at the School Administration gym. There is no registration for this session, but a punch pass purchased for a nonal fee at the recreation center is required for play. One court is available and play is supervised. The winter/spring session runs from now until April 1. Players must be 18 and older to participate.
The Meeker Pickleball Group meets evenings at Barone Middle School gym on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m. There are two courts available for open play. This group is independent from the recreation center, although some players play both mornings and evenings. A seasonal fee of $10 per person is required for play. The fee covers our required insurance premium from November 2025 through May 2026. Fees are requested at the time of play. Players must be 14 and older to participate.
When the winter season is over, both groups head outdoors to play either on the basketball/pickleball courts located downtown between the County Administration building and the Justice Center or the pickleball court located along the river at Town Park. There is no cost for summer play, and the courts are open to the public for use at any time.
During summer months, normally May through October (weather dependent), one can usually find an open-play group downtown every day from 8 to 10 a.m. There is also evening open play available on Mondays and Wednesdays from 6 to 8 p.m.
It is a fun sport, a great way to get some exercise and, best of all, a wonderful way to get to know your neighbor. The sport has participants of all ages, from teenagers to senior citizens, and of all abilities. Some of the larger communities cannot keep up with the demand for courts and facilities. Cruise ships and resorts now offer travel packages that include pickleball clinics and tournaments.
If you have any interest at all in learning but don’t know where to begin, stop by any of these group sessions. Extra equipment is always available, and no experience is necessary.
If you have any questions, contact the recreation center for open-gym play or Jim Joy at 970-270-3928.
You might recognize some familiar faces among this group of pickleball enthusiasts. As the fastest-growing sport in the United States, pickleball is suitable for all ages and abilities. The Eastern Rio Blanco Metropolitan Recreation and Park District is offering open-gym indoor play during the winter months. When the weather warms up, teams play on the basketball court between the Justice Center and the Courthouse or at Town Park.