Players on the pickleball court at the London International Airport. Photo courtesy of the London International Airport.Players on the pickleball court at the London International Airport. Photo courtesy of the London International Airport.
London

Pickleball anyone? London airport adds free court

London pickleball enthusiasts have a new court to play on.

The London International Airport announced on Friday it has opened a free pickleball court on the northeast side of the airport parking lot.

“We like to promote fun, activity and teamwork here at the London International Airport,” said Airport President Scott McFadzean. “Pickleball is a great way to stay active and enjoy time with family and friends. We also see it as a way to give back to our community and provide a fun and safe place for staff, tenants and the general public to play."

In addition to the pickleball court, cornhole boards have also been set up in the same area, McFadzean added.

The outdoor court will be open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. While it is free to use the games, parking at the airport costs $2 per hour.

Pickleball is considered North America's fastest growing sport. It combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is played on a badminton-sized court with a modified tennis net using a paddle and plastic ball with holes. It can be played by people of all ages and abilities.

Those who don't have a racket or cornhole bean bags can borrow them from the airport's security operations center, which is located inside the terminal before departures. A piece of photo ID has to be left with the security office until the borrowed items are returned.

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