RANGELEY — Described as fast, fun and addictive, pickleball is gaining in popularity and Rangeley is getting in on the action.

An open house at a new indoor pickleball facility, outfitted with three regulation sized courts, is set for Friday, Oct. 10, through Sunday, Oct. 12, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The public is invited to tour the facility, experience the game, or just watch others play.

“This is a dream come true,” said Jackie Patnode, the visionary behind Pickleball Rangeley at 2268 Main St. “I love the game and the people who play. This project just made sense. At no point have I been worried about its success. Pickleball is so addictive.”

Pickleball has elements of tennis and table tennis but matches are shorter, usually less than 15 minutes. The courts are smaller than a regulation tennis court, so game play is less physically taxing than a tennis match. Paddles are used to hit a hollow plastic ball, similar to a wiffle ball, Patnode said.

Pickleball is picking up steam in Maine and around the world. It is the fastest growing sport in America for three years in a row, according to a 2024 report by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. Pickleball has grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and by 223.5% over the past three years. The age group with the most participants, 2.3 million people, is the 25-34 range. Dedicated pickleball facilities have also grown by 55% year over year.

The Pickleball Rangeley building will offer a place to play throughout the winter. The facility can be opened up during warmer months to allow airflow.

The response to the project has been overwhelming, Patnode said. Lifetime memberships were sold and other pickleball players have helped with getting the facility ready. Carla McNally helped develop software for membership and court booking. Stacy Varney dug in to market the endeavor.

“We have others who have stepped out and offered to be stewards of the building and its guests. We have had painting parties and cleanup gatherings, where 10 to 12 players and friends show up to help. Over and over again, they show up to help,” Patnode said.

The facility will offer open play every day from 7:30-10:30 a.m. Organized evening programs will be available, including Thursday Date Night. For those who have never played, equipment and instruction will be available for beginners every Saturday at 10:30 a.m.

Future programs will include league play, skilled instruction and regular drill sessions to help players improve.

“Most of all, we will provide an opportunity to make new friends, get some exercise, and have fun,” Patnode said.

For more information about the facility, day passes, or memberships, visit pickleballrangeley.org, email [email protected], call 207-246-7138, or find Pickleball Rangeley on Facebook.