Volunteers from Glendale Pickleball will offer “Pickleball & Parkinson’s” — an event that aims to teach the sport to individuals with the condition and their caregivers — on Monday, April 24, at Pacific Park & Community Center from 9-11 a.m.
Parkinson’s disease is a brain disorder that leads to shaking, 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 provide demonstrations and show participants how to find pickleball locations close to their homes.
The low-impact sport 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. The activity can be played in doubles or singles format and enjoyed by all ages and skill levels.
Space is limited, and participants must RSVP by calling Marshall Pura at (323) 371-6016, or Annie Mayer at (772) 807-0768.
The park is located at 501 S. Pacific Ave., with ample parking on South Kenilworth Avenue. Participants are encouraged to wear comfortable clothes and sneakers. All necessary equipment will be provided.
For more information 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.
First published in the April 22 print issue of the Glendale News-Press.
