KEARNEY, NE — The exhibit building at the Buffalo County Fairgrounds is full of a new sound this winter.

The ping and pop of pickleball fills the facility that houses 4-H displays in the summer and used to be home to the Kearney Tennis Association. Now, the Kearney Pickleball Club rents the space.

“We’re trying to provide a number of courts to give a bunch of people a chance to play pickleball, which we all love to play,” Club President John Osgood said.

Kearney pickleball players can play outdoors in the summer and indoors at the YMCA, but only in the mornings. In the winter months, Osgood says that’s not enough.

“If you happen to work, like I said, there’s no place to play until you come here at nights," Osgood said. "It’s been fantastic.”

The club boasts more than 130 members from ages ranging from their 20s to their 80s.  The December trial period at the fairgrounds yielded 60 people playing in leagues. Osgood says it’s easy to explain the sport’s massive growth nationally and locally.

“Because, if you look over there, all these people have just finished playing and now they’re hanging out together and talking and socializing,” Osgood said.

The club has new leagues starting in January and has the indoor space rented through March. Osgood expects it to continue to grow.

“It’s competitive, it’s fun, you laugh a lot and you have a great time,” Osgood said.

The club has $20 annual dues. You can join by contacting Osgood or finding the Kearney NE Pickleball group on Facebook.