The Seymour Parks and Recreation Department officially will open the pickleball courts at Gaiser Park next week.

The public is invited to a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 3 p.m. Monday at the park.

There currently are two courts available for play on the south side of the park where the old playground equipment was located.

Pickleball is a paddleball sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis and tennis. Two or four players use solid paddles to hit a ball, much like a Wiffle ball, over a net.

The sport is one of the fastest growing trends in recreation. Discussions of adding pickleball courts to Seymour’s parks offerings began in the summer of 2019. Construction began in the spring of 2021.

A free introductory pickleball clinic is scheduled for 9 to 11 a.m. March 15 and 17 at the new courts. Sign up by calling 812-522-6420. Equipment will be provided, but if you have your own equipment, you are encouraged to bring it. The rainout location will be the Boys and Girls Club of Seymour, 950 N. O’Brien St.