The men’s voices and laughter carried over the constant paddle smacks against a hollow plastic ball. Rushing the low net on a space smaller than a tennis court at Treadwell Park, Willy Drucker rushed to return a serve from Gavin Preis. They were playing a friendly game of pickleball.

“This is a perfect mix of ping pong and tennis,” Mr Drucker said. Partnering with him was Neeraj Kuman, while Mr Preis partnered with Terrell Harris. The foursome played on the fenced court shortly past noon, Wednesday.

After another serve and some back and forth until the ball flew out of bounds, Mr Preis had said, “Nice volley.”

Earlier that afternoon Assistant Director of Parks Carl Samuelson had said the sport, a court for which was placed at Treadwell Park last year, is “unbelievably popular.” According to the men playing Wednesday, the game is “awesome,” as is news that the town will soon paint in two more courts on existing and recently refinished tennis courts there and at Dickinson Park.

Mr Samuelson shared news of the game’s popularity at a Parks and Recreation Commission meeting this month. One resident had told him, “Great job on the pickleball court, but you need more of them.” More than ten calls have come in about it, Mr Samuelson said. He has an estimate of $750 to paint a pickleball court on top of the existing tennis courts. He said that for $1,500 he could paint one court at Treadwell, and another at Dickinson Park, where the tennis courts were redone several years ago. Members moved to use funds from the park gift fund.

Location for the two courts may change, according to Assistant Director of Recreation Rose Ann Reggiano. She hopes to see court lines painted by September 1, when she has scheduled an introduction to pickleball that evening from, 6 to 7 pm at Treadwell Park. “I’m excited,” she said. Ms Reggiano has asked Mr Samuelson to have lines painted by then. The remainder of painting a light blue court will take place at a later date. “It’s a growing sport,” she said.

The event is free, and according to a recent flyer, guests will be introduced to the game and have a chance to play. Pickleball is a game for all ages and athletic ability, the flyer states. The rain date is September 2 at 6 pm at Treadwell. Learn more about the recreation programs and facilities at Newtown-ct.gov.