KELLOGG — If we asked you what the fastest growing sport in the United States was and you were allowed two guesses, what would you say?

If you guessed pickleball, you probably cheated (or read the headline of this story).

And now, pickleball has landed in Kellogg.

The sport was invented in 1965 in nearby Washington and is a cross between ping pong, tennis and badminton. Named after one of the founders’ dogs, Pickles, the sport has rapidly grown over the years and is now being played in parks, fitness centers and gymnasiums across the county.

Over the years, the tennis courts next to Kellogg Middle School had fallen into disrepair, and Silver Mountain Resort ticketing manager Amy Miller saw an opportunity to partner with the Kellogg School District to get in on the pickleball craze.

"We were looking for more outdoor activities for the community, and pickleball is the fastest growing sport right now, so we thought it would be fun to have in the Silver Valley," Miller said. "Pickleball is a blast to play, and it's very easy to pick up and learn."

Miller led the project from start to finish, which included Silver Mountain employees rehabbing the court, pressure washing the surface, filling cracks with asphalt and cement, sealing the surface and painting.

Through the late winter weather of March and continuing all the way through to the end of July, the new pickleball courts are now open and ready for the community to enjoy.

“The goal of the project is that the complex becomes an area where youth, families and seniors can keep themselves active,” Miller said.

Pickleball is so popular because essentially anyone can play the game.

A standard pickleball court is 24 feet by 44 feet. Each player must have a paddle.

Games can be played in singles or doubles format, and the ball is a plastic ball, similar to a whiffle ball, with 40 holes in it. This makes the ball susceptible to wind and wind resistance, making the ball’s movements more unpredictable.

The new pickleball court is located between Kellogg Middle School and Dale Hunt Memorial Track, just west of the Silver Mountain Resort.

For information or to see how the game is played, visit www.usapickleball.org.