Last Wednesday Portagers had the chance to check out a pickleball open house at École Cresentview School.

Around 30 people came out to the event hosted by the Portage Pickleball Club and club members agree it was an excellent turnout. Leta Maksymyk says they were thrilled by all the people who came out.

"We didn't know what to expect but I think lots of people are surprised by how much fun it is and they're having a good time."

Harold Cress began playing pickleball a few years ago in the United States and says it's a good sport. He explains sometimes it's hard to get all the pickleball club members out for a game so they look forward to all the interest shown at the open house.

Fellow Portage Pickleball Club member Elaine Graham shares her reaction to the turnout.

"This is a great turnout, we're really happy. We have a core group of probably eight to twelve on a regular basis and so this is going to be a great influx for us."

She compares the sport to ping-pong on a badminton court, adding it's a good form of exercise.