Keeping fit while having fun on Mercer Island

Sneakers squeaked as adult players knocked volleyballs over the net. One participant’s knees smacked the floor as she saved a ball from hitting the ground.

Most importantly, there was laughter and copious smiles as drop-in competitors whipped their bodies into shape on a recent morning at the Mercer Island Community and Event Center.

After the three-court volleyball session — which featured about 30 players — finished, city staffers transformed the gym into a six-court pickleball wonderland for 24 enthusiasts wielding paddles and smashing neon yellow plastic balls to and fro.

“For me it’s all about… this is my exercise, so I play twice a week and it keeps me fit. Volleyball is a great sport for bone and general health,” said Robert Herzog, 61, of Federal Way.

Herzog has been thumping volleyballs on Mercer Island on and off for about 15 years and enjoys the atmosphere with players bringing a mixture of abilities to the courts.

“I wanna have a decent game and a decent competition,” he said. The participants were clearly having fun as each ball was served into play: “If it’s not a good time, why come?” Herzog added.

When it was pickleball time, Mercer Island resident Ann Sekizaki, 66, and her fellow players became energized as they sprung into action.

“Pickleball is just good exercise and you don’t have to run so much. It’s low impact,” Sekizaki said. “I think it’s good for anybody at any age, especially older people.”

She recommends that people give it a shot.

Pete Ng, 73, participates in both volleyball and pickleball — taking a half-hour break before trading volley for pickle. The Snohomish resident loves both sports equally, noting that there’s always knowledge to gain from others and different skills to learn.

“I love the sports. I have a degree in physical education, so I play all sports in my younger days— basketball, softball, baseball. Now, I’m into pickleball and volleyball — less stress on the body,” he said.

Ng stays in shape and works off the food he consumes throughout the day.

“I love to eat, and so by playing, I get to eat a lot more,” he said with a hearty laugh.

For volleyballer Ligaya Bado, 47, of Kirkland, burning calories and having fun are crucial elements of her visits to the Island center twice a week. Her skills have improved as she moves about the court to keep fit.

Seattle resident Bob Flagan, 75, adds biking into his daily routine as he sometimes cruises to the Island from Greenwood to partake in the volleyball scene.

Flagan’s health has improved both with the biking and volleyball on his agenda.

“I’m fast when I get here — I’m all exercised up and ready to go,” he said.

Also in the volleyball realm, Issaquah’s Greg Dietzel, 64, said that the Island center is a great location for pick-up sports and remaining active.

“People are very friendly and supportive here. People should come out and do it,” he said after a post-game visit with other players.

Daily passes cost $5 for Mercer Island residents and $7 for non-residents and are good for drop-in sports and using the fitness room from Monday-Saturday. Adult sports also include badminton, basketball, indoor playground and senior gym walking; there are designated times for youth volleyball and basketball.

Recreation Facilities Supervisor Alex Lee oversees the drop-in sports programs, which run from 9:30 a.m. to 5-5:30 p.m. six days a week. Hours may vary on some days.

“What we try to do is offer a robust drop-in sports program to meet the needs of the community, while also having diversity in the programs that are offered and being able to offer a bunch of different varieties of drop-in sports. So there’s definitely a balance between those two aspects of the program,” Lee said.

Players get their game on in a relaxed, competitive environment, Lee said. It’s all about community while being active on a daily/weekly basis.

“You’re getting the health benefits of getting your blood flowing, getting moving, but you’re also having fun while doing it at the same time,” Lee said.

For more information, visit: https://www.mercerisland.gov/parksrec