Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo takes First Pickleball Dink

This could have been one of those truly embarrassing moments for a public figure, but Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo isn’t one to back down from a sports challenge.

Left to right: Denise Petrone, Betsy Underhill, Greenwich First Selectman Fred Camillo and Jodi Stuart

Invited to experience the fastest growing sport in America by a couple of avid Greenwich Pickleball players, Fred got a chance to dink* on November 21 at the town’s Loughlin Avenue Pickleball courts in Cos Cob.

While more of a self-described hiker/kayaker, Fred good-naturedly donned his sneakers and grabbed a paddle.

He joined Jodi Stuart, a recent newcomer to Greenwich who’s eager to make Pickleball more accessible to residents. Stuart is just one of many community members committed to getting more dedicated Pickleball courts in town.

To Stuart, hooking the Greenwich First Selectman on Pickleball seemed like a good first step to achieving that goal.

For Fred’s ‘day of Pickleball’ Stuart recruited Greenwich Pickleball expert and USA Pickleball Association Ambassador Betsy Underhill, and local resident Denise Petrone to make up a foursome. Underhill, the former women’s tennis coach at GHS, introduced Pickleball to Greenwich in 2012.

After quickly grasping the game and showing some impressive skills for a newbie, the group asked Fred what he thought of the game.

"I get why [pickleball] is becoming such a popular sport and activity! A nice workout, outdoors in the fresh air, and with friends old and new. I look forward to spring and getting out there on one of the Town's several courts whenever I get the chance.”

While the main focus of Greenwich parks and recreation programs and facilities has traditionally been on youth sports, Pickleball has taken the town by storm. Hundreds of adult Pickleball players in Greenwich are looking to play - and often find the courts and programs fully booked.

Pickleball can be played by people of all ages, is easier on the knees than tennis and paddle tennis, and it is a great way to connect with others in the community.

Pickleball players laud the social nature of the game. The smaller court makes it easier to converse with both teammates and opponents.

Multiple courts fit in a small space - meaning less expense for towns to build vs. outdoor tennis courts. And existing facilities are easily converted.

For the first time in decades, there’s a sport for adults where participation is growing faster than any other activity in Greenwich. Towns throughout Fairfield County are investing in courts and facilities due to resident demand.

In hopes of improving access to this healthy, all-season sport, a 2021petition to add courts in Greenwich yielded nearly 200 signatures. But the battle for better access continues. Check out the current funding page.

(*Dink - a Pickleball drop shot that lands in the kitchen. Want to know more? Come try the game at a town program!)

Author Denise Petrone is an avid Pickleball player who has raised her family in Greenwich. She is a solutions driven sales consultant, offering coaching, training and sales messaging strategy.