Lower Burrell is infected with the pickleball virus.

On Wednesday, city officials opened six new pickleball courts on the old tennis courts in Veterans Central Park, near Bethel and Schreiber Streets near City Hall.

“This is great for all ages – even children from 5 to 95,” said Councilman Mike Stanoski, who oversees the city’s parks department. “This is something that has been needed in our community for a long time. The surrounding communities can use it and bring their families.”

Mayor Chris Fabry said residents Mike Bashour and Jim Hess were instrumental in getting the plazas built in Lower Burrell. He also thanked the city’s Parks and Public Works Director Michelle Hatbob for her work in coordinating the plazas’ construction.

“It’s wonderful that the town of Lower Burrell is getting involved and actually making it happen,” Bashour said. “It will be used.”

Bashour isn’t wrong — numerous communities in the area have also jumped on the pickleball blitz. Plum’s Renton Park installed pickleball courts in July. Oakmont officials announced plans for courts at Riverside Park in the spring. They also rolled out to Freeport last fall.

According to pickleheads.com, pickleball is America’s fastest growing sport this year. More than 36.5 million Americans play pickleball.

“Most of all, it’s great to just be active,” said Bashour. “It’s a great way to meet people.”

The Lower Burrell Public Works Department installed the courts at a cost of $63,000 and was budgeted for completion in 2024, said manager Greg Primm.