Charles Wilborn

CHATHAM — Melody Thompson, who trekked down from the Lynchburg area on Saturday morning, was one of the first people to try out a new pickleball court in Chatham.

The colors first caught her attention.

The two new courts at the back of what's known as Harris Field on Davis Road in the county seat are painted in a mix of blue, green and grey for the sport that's a combination of tennis, badminton and pingpong.

"I think the courts are beautiful," she told the Register & Bee moments after arriving on a muggy Saturday morning.

"I love the settings," she said. "It’s gorgeous."

In a matter of minutes, she was on one of the courts with a paddle in hand, hitting a yellow ball with holes over a net that resembled one from tennis.

Dozens of others eventually showed up Saturday

See Full Page