ROME — Three new pickleball courts will be open at Kennedy Arena, 500 W. Embargo St., starting on Memorial Day – Monday, May 28, according to the Rome Department of Parks & Recreation.

The new pickleball courts will be available weekdays 9 a.m. to noon, and also from 8 a.m. to 10 a.m. on Sundays, city officials said. There will be no availability on Saturdays. The courts will require a usage fee of $15 per hour, and the signing of a waiver form.

“Pickleball is growing in the area. It’s blowing up,” said Justin Losowski, recreation coordinator. “It’s an alternate to tennis that doesn’t involve as much physical activity.”

Losowski said pickleball is a combination of tennis and table tennis, played on the same net as a tennis court but with a smaller play area. He said the new sport has become very popular with adults.

No reservations are required. The courts are on a first-come first-served basis. Players must supply their own rackets and balls.

Losowski said the courts at Kennedy Arena at 500 W. Embargo St. have been set up to provide an indoor alternative. He said there are outdoor pickleball courts at Ridgewood Park, Franklyn’s Field and soon at Guyer Field.

For more information on the pickleball courts, contact the Rome Department of Parks and Recreation at 315-339-7654.