Glen Ellyn Park District to offer Quick Start, Kids Paddle & Pizza, and a Retro College Mixer in January

If you're bored with your current exercise routine, try mixing things up by taking a fun, fast-paced Paddle Tennis class! The Glen Ellyn Park District, along with Director of Racquet Sports Mark Cunnington, is offering exciting classes for adults and children this winter.

The adult classes, called "Quick Start Paddle Tennis", will begin by focusing on the basics. "Players will learn everything they need to know to start playing right away, including techniques, rules, and strategies," said Cunnington. "By the end of the class, everyone should be able to play and enjoy Paddle Tennis."

Paddle Tennis is similar to regular tennis, but players are surrounded by screens. "Strategy is important; as players improve, it becomes more like an athletic chess match," said Cunnington. "It's a great sport, and since you always play doubles, there's a great social aspect to the game."

Cunnington loves the competition, but feels that getting a great workout outside during winter is the best part. "So far, the program has been a big success," he added. "All the men and women who participated in the first session of Quick Start are still playing, and both groups had several players who joined the House League and the new Ladies Evening League." The adult Quick Start classes begin on January 15th for ladies and January 16th for men. Both classes run for five weeks and are held from 6-7 pm.

In addition to classes, the District will also offer an Adult Retro College Mixer on Jan. 19 for ages 21 and up. The mixer is a fun way for players new and old to socialize while also showing off their Alma mater. The older the clothing the better at this event, which will run from 7-9 p.m.

The fun, however, isn't limited to the adults. Cunnington is also offering a "Kids Paddle & Pizza" 5-week session for ages 5-14. Classes are Mondays (Jan. 15 to Feb. 12) from 4:30 to 6 p.m., and the end of each class culminates in a pizza party. Kids will learn the basics of Paddle Tennis, including the rules, how to hold the paddle, and how to make great shots.

"Pizza is offered every week during the last half hour of class," said Cunnington. "It's a ton of fun, and if we get some snow, there's always time for playing in it." The goal of the class, according to Cunnington, is for everyone to have fun. "I want the kids to have a great time and be outside during those gray winter days!" he said. In a similar fashion, a single-night "Kids Paddle, Pizza, and Movie" class will be offered on Jan. 5 from 6 to 8:30 p.m.

Another great benefit of Paddle Tennis is that it helps kids develop eye-hand coordination. For kids interested in regular tennis, Paddle Tennis helps develop skills that transfer to that sport.

For more information and to register, please visit www.gepark.org.