Spring in Maine can make people eager to get outside, even when the weather is still cold and muddy. At the University of Maine at Augusta’s Bangor campus, community members have found a bright, welcoming way to stay active and connected: pickleball.
Every weekday morning, the fitness center hums with the sound of paddles tapping and sneakers moving across the gym floor. Laughter and friendly exchanges fill the air as people of all ages gather to play, building friendships and finding a sense of belonging along the way.
Pickleball’s appeal goes beyond the rules of the game. It is approachable, social and continually engaging, blending movement, coordination and strategy in a way that keeps bodies and minds active. For many players at UMA Bangor, the biggest draw is not just the sport itself but the community that forms around it.
Joy Steward, UMA’s coordinator of student life for wellness and co-curricular enrichment, has watched that community grow. “It started with just a few players,” Steward said. “Now it’s the most popular activity we offer. People love it because it’s welcoming, fun, and as competitive as you want it to be. There’s no pressure, just a great way to move and connect.”
Retired Newburgh resident Shirley Shannon treats pickleball as a lively part of her new routine. “I’m up at five every morning,” she said. “I play three times a week. If I were still working, I would resent my job,” she said. “This is my job now, and I love coming here. It gets my morning going, keeps me active and I feel great afterward.”
After years of full-time work, Shannon says pickleball gives her something to look forward to. For regulars like her, the game brings structure, motivation and a strong start to the day.
The energy on the courts is contagious. Newcomers are welcomed with smiles, helpful tips and lighthearted banter. That open atmosphere turns a simple game into a shared experience where neighbors, students and visitors become friends.
For Kim Johnson, the joy of pickleball is found in what players give and receive. “We’ve been playing for just over a year, and it’s amazing how inviting everyone is,” Johnson said. “We have players from 14 to 80, and everyone’s included. I usually play on Thursdays when beginners come in. Someone once did that for me, and now I get to do that for someone else.”
Those shared rallies and small moments of encouragement create bonds across generations and help everyone, regardless of age or skill level, feel that they belong.
Cheryl Dubois, who discovered pickleball in Florida, was glad to find that same spirit in Bangor. “Everyone here is so kind and encouraging. The staff is wonderful, the facility is spotless and I’ve made new friends,” she said. “We even go out to dinner sometimes. It’s great exercise and a wonderful way to stay active while spending time with some great people.”
Travis Wood, a documentary filmmaker (pictured at the top), first tried pickleball with his aunt’s encouragement and quickly became a regular. “The players here are top notch,” Wood said. “Everyone shows up ready to play, no matter their age or skill level. You’ll see teenagers and seniors on the same court, smiling together. It’s the mix of focus and fun that makes it so great. You play hard, and you leave happy.”
Together, those moments of challenge and camaraderie show what makes the courts at UMA Bangor a true community gathering place.
By opening its doors to players of all backgrounds, UMA Bangor’s fitness center helps strengthen community connections in the region. The public is invited to join, with memberships starting at $25 a month or $5 a day. Each morning, new and returning players fill the gym with activity, encouragement and connection. Whatever the season, pickleball offers a welcoming place to stay active, build friendships and enjoy being part of the community.
Information about the fitness center, pickleball, membership, and more is available on the UMA Bangor Fitness Center webpage.