Judy’s Cafe pancakes aren’t the only thing going viral in Galesburg.
Following a national trend, pickleball has gained local popularity, and by mid-June players will have new courts at Galesburg’s Rotary Park.
The $548,000 facility, approved by the City Council last August, will add to the city’s growing inventory of pickleball courts and provide additional space for a local player base that continues to expand.
“It’s massive. It’s really grown,” said Jim Etzel, who first began playing pickleball about five years ago. “When we started, there were just eight or 10 of us.”
At 80, he plays nearly every day.
“I’ve played pickleball for three years,” said Sue Hulett, a retired Knox College professor who plays five times a week. “I am a longtime tennis player and now half my tennis buddies play pickleball.”
Etzel’s and Hulett’s experiences mirror a national trend that has made pickleball the fastest-growing sport in the United States over the past five years. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association estimates that 24.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2025.
Played on a 20-by-40-foot court, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, ping pong and racquetball. Players use a perforated plastic ball similar to a Wiffle ball and solid plastic paddles. Serves are made underhand, courts include a non-volley zone and games often feature long rallies.
“It’s good exercise, good for the brain and very social,” said Hulett, who also gives pickleball lessons through the City of Galesburg. “You’re laughing as much as you’re playing. It’s just fun.”
Amy Ortery, a relative newcomer to the sport, also plays tennis and racquetball.
“I’ve been playing since February 2025, and I started at the YMCA,” she said. “I wanted to stay active, and I wanted some good exercise. I heard about it and thought I’d give it a try.”
“Galesburg has a good group of players. When I went to the Y, I went up to a friendly woman and just asked if I could play and she said ‘OK.’ They just welcomed me in. Everybody was very helpful.”
Etzel and Hulett have organized text groups to keep local players informed about events, gatherings and news related to the sport. They estimate their groups include about 60 participants. Additional information is available through the Galesburg Pickleball Players Facebook group.
“We’re eager for Rotary Park,” said Hulett.
The new courts at 1625 W. Losey St. will add to the six outdoor courts at Bateman Park, eight indoor courts at Lakeside Recreation Center and three indoor courts at Hawthorne Gym, all operated by the city.
The Knox County YMCA also offers three indoor pickleball courts.
“We are pretty involved. Pickleball has been very successful for a large group of people ranging from young children to retirees in their 80s,” said Luke Bradburn, supervisor of athletics for the Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department.
He said a pickleball clinic will be held June 19 at Rotary Park.
For more information about city pickleball programs, contact the Galesburg Parks and Recreation Department.
“It’s a real welcoming and open community, that’s for sure,” Ortery said of Galesburg’s pickleball scene. “People will stop by and say, ‘Can I jump in?’ and we say, ‘Sure.’”
