On any given evening at the courts at Glenville Lake, it’s not unusual to see a child learning to serve on one court while a parent picks up a paddle for the very first time just a few feet away.

That isn’t by accident.

As pickleball continues its rise as America’s fastest-growing sport, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation is embracing more than the game itself. Through youth camps, beginner clinics and family-friendly programming, the department is using pickleball as a way to connect generations, encourage healthy living and make recreation accessible to everyone.

The department’s final Youth Summer Pickleball Camp runs Aug. 10–14 for children ages 7 to 17, while its next Adult Pickleball Clinic is scheduled for Sept. 12. Equipment is provided, and no experience is necessary, lowering the barrier for anyone curious about trying the sport.

For Kristen Daniels, athletic coordinator for paddle sports with Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation, the growing popularity of pickleball created an opportunity to rethink what recreation could look like in Cumberland County.

“We recognized that we wanted to offer diverse programming for all sports, not just the traditional baseball, softball, basketball, soccer and football,” Daniels said. “There are people out there who want to try something new and something different, and that’s what we want to do. We want to give as many opportunities to everyone as we can.”

That philosophy has resonated throughout the summer.

While pickleball once carried the reputation of being a retirement sport, today’s courts tell a different story. Elementary-aged children, teenagers, young professionals, and retirees are all discovering the game together.

Its appeal is easy to understand. The rules are simple enough for beginners to learn quickly, the court is smaller than a tennis court, and the game rewards strategy just as much as athletic ability. Players can enjoy friendly competition without the physical demands associated with many other sports.

For Daniels, however, the lessons extend well beyond serving, volleying and keeping score.

“We want our participants to have positive role models in our coaches and instructors,” she said. “They’re learning that you don’t always pick things up right away. It takes work. Things don’t always go your way, and you’ve got to keep working until you get better. That’s true in sports, but it’s true in life too.”

That message is woven throughout the department’s programming.

In addition to the summer camps and adult clinics, Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation offers year-round instruction for younger children, junior players, beginner adults, intermediate players, and even cardio pickleball classes that combine music, fitness, and fast-paced play into an energetic workout.

Daniels said the programming was intentionally designed so entire families could participate together.

“When we were putting these programs together, I really wanted it to be something where the whole family could take part,” she said. “The kids’ classes happen at the same time as the beginner classes for parents. They’re already bringing their children to the courts, so why not give them the opportunity to learn too?”

That approach transforms an evening practice into something more meaningful.

Instead of waiting in the parking lot, parents step onto the court. Children watch their moms and dads become beginners again. Grandparents find a game they can comfortably play alongside younger family members.

The result is recreation that feels less like organized sports and more like community.

Accessibility has also been a priority. Residents can register at any Fayetteville-Cumberland Parks and Recreation center, at the Courts at Glenville Lake or online through the department’s WebTrac registration portal at https://register.fcpr.us/webtrac/web/splash.html. Equipment is provided, removing another obstacle for first-time players.

For Daniels, success isn’t measured solely by how many players develop a strong forehand or perfect serve. It’s measured by families who return to the courts after class ends, children who discover a new passion and adults who realize it’s never too late to learn something new.

As Fayetteville continues to grow, so does its appetite for recreation that reflects the community itself welcoming, active, and inclusive.

Sometimes building a stronger community doesn’t require a stadium or a championship. Sometimes it begins with a paddle, a plastic ball, and a family willing to play together.