MEQUON, Wis. (CBS 58) -- As the temperatures begin to drop, pickleball enthusiasts in southeastern Wisconsin are hopeful the action on the courts will only continue to heat up with several indoor locations throughout the region offering indoor space for people to play the popular sport.

"We really need indoor and outdoor facilities," said Chris Korjenek, USA Pickleball ambassador for Ozaukee County. "We'll play outside as long as we can, even with down jackets on and stuff, but we will start to move indoors now and Elite is putting on a great program for us, clinics, drills, lessons and open play, along with many other places in southeastern Wisconsin."

Now in its 57th year of existence, the sport of pickleball has seen an increase in participation in recent years. According to USA Pickleball, the sport grew to 4.8-million players in the United States in 2021, a total expected to have grown at the conclusion of 2022.

Elite Sports Club in Mequon has recognized the growth, offering more space and playtime for pickleball enthusiasts, even launching a new dedicated pickleball program earlier this month.

"It's really grown already, just in the first month of operation," explained Mark Golding with Elite Sports Club. "We're looking to continue to grow it. It's relatively new to the area to go inside and play all year, so we're really excited. It's something that's fun for all levels and all ages."

Along with clubs like Elite, local YMCAs and other community centers are all starting to offer more playtime for pickleball, with some communities even offering learn-to-play events. Korjenek says the increased interest will just continue to help grow the game.

"Pickleball is a really, really easy game to pick up," Korjenek said. "There are very low barriers to enter, it's very inexpensive to pick up."

More information on how to get involved can be found at usapickleball.org.