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Sunrise 7:54 a.m. | Sunset 5:30 p.m.

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A sport for ~~the~~ all ages

Your guide to picking up pickleball in Lexington, KY

A group of men playing pickleball under lighted courts.

It’s not uncommon to see the courts packed at Kirklivington Park. | Photo by Paul Hooper

Imagine a net shorter than a tennis net, a paddle bigger than a ping pong paddle, and a court the size of a badminton court. That’s how you get pickleball — the fast-paced game that’s sweeping the nation.

ICYMI, pickleball mixes elements of tennis, ping pong, and badminton for one easy-to-play game (read: anyone can learn in ~5 minutes). It’s as fun for newbies as it is for pros and has a wildfire-knack for accumulating obsessive followers.

Why the pickleball craze?

The sport got its start locally ~10 years ago thanks to Ron Eversole, an administrator at Tates Creek Christian Church, who learned about the sport on a trip to Florida. He decided to build a court at the church, encouraged friends to try the sport, and the rest was history.

One of those friends is Dan Ewing, who is now the president of the Kentucky Pickleball Association. “It is the most social sport I have ever played. You have an opportunity to get to know people you otherwise would never cross paths with,” Dan said.

He added that it is great for all ages as it requires more accuracy and quick reflexes — but not as much running and power as tennis.

A group of people playing pickleball — Pickleball is great for all ages and levels of athletes. | Photo by Amy Wallot

Learn how to play

A great way to dip your toe in the pickleball pool is to join the Lexington Pickleball Facebook group, which is 1,400 members strong. This is a great place to connect with fellow players of all levels and even find lessons.

Here’s who we learned is giving lessons locally:

Matthew Mullins at Lexington Griffin Gate Marriott Golf Resort & Spa
Dan Ewing at Tates Creek Christian Church

Since each game can be played in about 15-20 minutes, Dan said he often sees folks play 10+ games in one night.

See where to shop + play

Events

Thursday, May 4

Community Chat with Dan Wu | Thursday, May 4 | 5-6 p.m. | Central Library, 140 E. Main St., Lexington | Free | Join Lexington Council At-Large member and Vice Mayor Dan Wu for a discussion and Q&A on his experience as a Chinese-American immigrant, chef, small business owner, and activist.
Thursday Night Live | Thursday, May 4 | 5-8 p.m. | Fifth Third Bank Pavilion, 251 W. Main St., Lexington | Free | Head downtown for the perfect post-work wind-down with your friends featuring live music, tasty beverages, and delicious food.
May the Fourth Star Wars Celebration | Thursday, May 4 | 6-8 p.m. | McConnell Springs Park, 416 Rebmann Ln., Lexington | Free | Celebrate unofficial Star Wars with themed printmaking activities, food trucks, a photo booth, music + more.

Friday, May 5

“Little Women": The Broadway Musical | Friday, May 5-Sunday, May 14 | Times vary | Leeds Center for the Arts, 37 N. Main St., Winchester | $18 | See the timeless, captivating story brought to life on stage in a glorious, musical filled with personal discovery, heartache, hope, and everlasting love.
Shaker Village Music on the Lawn | Friday, May 5-Saturday, Oct. 28 | 6:30-9:30 p.m. | Shaker Village of Pleasant Hill, 3501 Lexington Rd., Harrodsburg | Free | Venture out to historic Harrodsburg for an evening of live music, outdoor dining, and drinks around the fire pit at Shaker Village.*

Saturday, May 6

Kenpuppy Derby | Saturday, May 6 | 10 a.m.-12 p.m. | Falling Springs Park, 275 Beasley Rd., Versailles | $5 | A family-friendly morning of games, activities, and the main event — eight adoptable puppies “running for the roses.”

Sunday, May 7

Yoga Nidra + Singing Bowls | Sunday, May 7 | 4-5 p.m. | Headley Whitney Museum, 4435 Old Frankfort Pike, Lexington | $20 | Allow your body to soften and settle with the mindful practice of Yoga Nidra which promotes deep relaxation + healing.

Events calendar here

Click here to have your event featured.

Sports

Celebrate Derby Day with Red Mile Gaming’s Derby Dash for Cash

Derby Dash Red Mile Racing and Gaming May 2023

May the odds be ever in your favor. | Photo by Red Mile Racing and Gaming

We don’t want to be dramatic, but there’s only one right way to celebrate Derby Day: with good drinks, great food, and the opportunity to win $150,000 in cash at Red Mile Gaming.

Be sure to play with your Winners’ Circle Cards to be automatically entered to win $5,000 on Saturday, May 6, 13, and 20 from 4 p.m.-12 a.m. Five $5,000 prize winners are guaranteed, but one very lucky person could take home $150,000.

Good luck, Lexington.*

Learn more

News Notes

Civic

After being installed as a pilot program last year, Lexington Police announced it is increasing the number of Flock Cameras from 25 to 100. The cameras, which take photos of license plates, have helped locate 18 missing people, 152 stolen vehicles, and aid in 245 arrests. (Lexington-Herald Leader)

Community

UK’s Food as Health Alliance — which aims to reduce food insecurity and address diet-related diseases — officially launched last week. The initiative has educational tools for health professionals + members of the community including training videos, tips, recipes, and more. (UKNOW)

Try This

The Lexington Humane Society has re-opened its Check Me Out program. From 1 to 5 p.m. Tuesdays-Fridays, community members are welcome to spend an afternoon with an adoptable dog by taking them on car rides, for walks in spacious areas, or to visit dog-friendly businesses. Get more details.
The Main Season has officially kicked off at The Kentucky Horse Park, meaning now through November guests can experience live shows, horse meet-and-greets, museum exhibits, and even saddle up for a ride. Visitors are welcome Wednesday-Sunday.

Listen

While there are still two more opportunities to enjoy the 2022-2023 season of the Lexington Philharmonic, the group has already announced the lineup + theme for the 2023-2024 season. Epic Voices will kick off on Monday, July 3 at 7:30 p.m. with the return of the community favorite Patriotic Concert.

Shop

Wilson’s Grocery & Meats, located in Kenwick at 1010 Cramer Ave., announced via social media that it will be closing “for a little while” as they regroup for “exciting movement in the works.” Be sure to follow its Instagram page for updates on when it will reopen.

Drink

Hint is the water that actually makes us want to drink water. Shop from their top sellers + online exclusive flavors and get 45% off three cases for just $36. (That’s $1 per bottle plus free shipping.) Just use code 6AMCITY.*

Number

10 days. That’s how long you have until Mother’s Day. The good news? That gives you just enough time to order a gift from Quince — a brand offering high-end and sustainable products at affordable prices. Think: European linen shorts, silk slip dresses, cashmere crewnecks + Italian leather totes. Shop now.

Ranked

🐶 No dog left behind

The best spots for your best friend — our favorite dog-friendly places in Lexington

Check out Mirror Twin Brewing’s current beers on rotation. | Photo courtesy of VisitLex

Round of a-paws, please. Lexington ranks No. 14 according to Forbes’ list of “Best Cities for Pet Owners.” The publication compared 13 metrics including veterinary cost, veterinary access, and pet-friendly spaces.

Whether you’re in need of a drinking paw-tner at a local brewery, or just dining out — well bone appétit — check out our dog-friendly businesses guide.

🐾 Breweries + Bars

Rock House Brewing, 119 Luigart Ave. | From trivia nights to local market shopping pop-ups, there’s no shortage of fun things to do (or beers to drink) at Rock House.

The Burl, 375 Thompson Rd. | Hang out on the lawn or in the arcade with your pup + enjoy eats from Kismet.

🐾 Restaurants

Boonedogs, 5902 Old Richmond Rd. | This hot dog joint’s outdoor seating is like a giant, welcoming backyard.

Bone-ified dog-friendly fun here

The Wrap

Today’s edition by:
Molly

From the editor

May is Mental Health Awareness Month and I want to know, what do you do to care for your mental health? Do you have any pro tips, routines, or daily practices you’ve found successful that you’d like to share with your fellow Lexingtonians? Sharing is caring.

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