New offerings at Westside Community Center... and pickleball stays popular

Pickleball is a year-round sport at the Westside Community Center, played in its gymnasium in the winter and (as seen from this photo from June 2014) outdoors in the summer. Westside Pioneer file photo        The Westside Community Center, 1628 W. Bijou St., is offering some new classes in March, as well as partnering with the Old Colorado City Library on a special event and making tax help available.        In addition, due to popular demand, the pickleball sessions have been doubled since the center started offering the sport in February 2014, from two to four times a week.        New classes - Beginning hula hoop, hip-hop dance, various art classes and kids dance (ages 3-9). Fees may apply.        Library event - Miss Abbie the Clown, a local performer for children, Friday, March 25 from 1 to 2 p.m. Free.        Tax help - Provided by AARP volunteers Mondays and Thursdays from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. in the center's east cottage, 1616 W. Bijou St. Through April 14. Free.        Pickleball - The four times are now Tuesdays from 10 a.m. to noon; Wednesdays from 1 to 3 p.m.; Thursdays from 10 to noon; and Fridays from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Free.        The sport is a slowed-down hybrid of badminton, ping-pong and tennis.        “We've had a lot of beginners,” said Helen Eppinger, an administrative assistant at the center. “Some people come to more than one pickleball session. It's picking up.”        For information on any class/activity/event, call the center at 385-7920 x100, or go to ourwestside.org.        The facility is also open for drop-ins, typically Monday-Friday (following the same schedule as local schools). Westside Pioneer/press release