Get to Know RECS Member Harry Chandler

Six years ago, Harry Chandler underwent back surgery that left him temporarily paralyzed from the chest down. What followed was an inspiring journey of recovery, aided by something many of us at RECS know can have a powerful impact in our lives: Pickleball.

“I wasn’t sure if I would ever walk again,” Harry said. “It was very frustrating. It was a very slow recovery process.”

With the support and encouragement of his family, Harry gradually regained his physical abilities. One day, his wife came across an advertisement in the paper for a free Intro to Pickleball class at RECS and encouraged him to give it a try.

Originally, Harry was hesitant.

“I told her, ‘What happens if I fall?”

“‘If you fall, get back up,” his wife replied.

That Intro class marked the beginning of a Pickleball journey that would help Harry heal physically, mentally, and socially. He joined RECS as a member in 2022 and has been playing at least three times a week ever since.

Harry celebrated his 80th birthday with us on Friday, surrounded by the friends that he met in our RECS community. “I’ve met a lot of wonderful people here, and that’s what — besides the pickleball — keeps me coming back.” Harry describes a time where he was feeling down, and he got a much needed hug and words of encouragement from our Front Desk Member Liz. That small action made him feel supported. “Really, how wonderful is that. That’s the way this is, it’s kind of like an extended family.”

One of the most special relationships Harry has developed at RECS is his friendship with our Membership and Billing Coordinator, Tanya. After overhearing Harry talk about wanting someone to drill with so he could improve his Pickleball skills, Tanya quickly volunteered. The two have drilled on average once a week for the past 3 years and developed a friendship that is deeply meaningful for both of them.

Another part of Harry’s Pickleball journey has been learning from our certified instructors.

“The nice thing about Pickleball,” Harry said, “is that you can take it to just about whatever level you want—especially if you’re one of the younger folks. If you want to practice hard and play hard, there are people who can help bring you up level by level until you’re comfortable.”

Harry also spoke on the uniquely social aspect of Pickleball and how RECS is a special place to play. “95% of the people that we play with, if they can’t see it 100% out, they give it to you. I just think that’s wonderful. That goes a long way when you’re playing with people and you’re being friends, we’re friends here. When I come in to play, I say hi to probably 20 people.”

The relationships and sense of community people build at RECS are what make this place so special. Our motto is Recreate, Exercise, Compete, and Socialize—four pillars that we strive to center every member’s experience around each time they walk through our doors.

We’d like to thank Harry for sharing his inspiring story. His story is a reminder of the important role that exercise, socialization, and community can play in recovery and overall well-being.

Watch the full interview with Harry on our YouTube channel!

We’re always looking for members who are willing to share their stories with us! If you’d like to tell us about your own RECS experience, we’d love to hear from you. To be featured, send us an email at hello@wearerecs.com or let us know the next time you’re in the club.