The Villages - July 2020 - 41

"It's a growing sport," said Chris Arrowood, facility
manager at Laurel Manor Recreation Center.
Arrowood talks about the intro classes he taught a
while back, for participants of the Lifestyle Preview.
"People want to learn about pickleball - to see what
it's like," he said.
Skilled players make pickleball lively, but newbies can
grasp the game, too. A simple set of rules, a low net, a
lightweight paddle and a ball that resembles the whiffle -
these are all a pickler needs.
"It's not too complicated," Arrowood said.
For those who want a crash course, he notes there
are clubs that partner with the recreation department to
provide classroom and on-court lessons. And of course,
there are plenty of opportunities to participate. "From
beginner to advanced, there are always people within
your skill level to play with in The Villages," he said.
A proud Villages employee, Arrowood likes to partake
in pickleball and many other games. He's not partial to
any single sport.

Chris Arrowood,
facility manager
at Laurel Manor
Recreation Center.

"I like to play them all," he said. "I've been working
within the recreation department for around four years,
and it's great. We bring so much enjoyment to residents.
Maybe someone has never played bocce or pickleball -
it's neat to see them fall in love with various activities, and
to provide them with the lifestyle they enjoy."
Whether you pick up a paddle, a racquet, a mallet, a
bat or a ball, the point is this: Activity fuels happiness and
health.
"There's a lot to choose from," Arrowood said. "That's
the great thing about being in The Villages. Folks have the
opportunity to figure out their passions. If they like being
outside, being competitive or playing different sports and
events: pickleball, shuffleboard, bocce, petanque, beach
tennis, platform tennis - there's so much variety here."
In the summer as the temperatures soar, avid players
are unperturbed.
"They simply adjust their playing times," Arrowood
said. "They get out early and take precautions. It's all
about being safe and staying hydrated."
Besides, there are sports pools, family pools and pools
all around your neighborhood - and nothing feels better
than a post-workout splash and soak. Dive in ...

MAYBE SOMEONE HAS NEVER PLAYED BOCCE OR PICKLEBALL - IT'S
NEAT TO SEE THEM FALL IN LOVE WITH VARIOUS ACTIVITIES, AND
TO PROVIDE THEM WITH THE LIFESTYLE THEY ENJOY.
- Chr is A r rowo o d

MAGAZINE

41
The Villages - July 2020

Table of Contents for the Digital Edition of The Villages - July 2020
