A new outdoor facility for the game of Pétanque is now open for the public in Seaside. Located next to Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar, the three court play areas have lighted courts and seating. Each of the three Pétanque courts are 13 ft. wide by 50 ft. long; two with a lime rock screening surface and one touting Bermuda sod for variety.
The use of the Pétanque Park site was was donated by Seaside homeowners Calvin Fayard and Mr. and Mrs. William Sasser, with the landscaping donated by Robert and Daryl Davis and the Sasser’s. It is now available for seasoned or novice Pétanque players of all ages.
Boules are available at Bud and Alley’s Pizza Bar or can be purchased at Central Square Records in Seaside.
What is Pétanque?
Pétanque, pronounced “pay-tonk”, one of Europe’s most popular outdoor games, is a cousin of both horseshoes and of the Italian bowling game called ‘bocce’. The game originated in the South of France in the early 1900s.
The aim is to toss, or roll a number of hollow steel balls (boules) as close as possible to a small wooden target ball, called “but” or “cochonnet” (French for “piglet”). Players take turns and the team that ends up nearest to the target ball when all balls are played, wins.
Unlike horseshoes, where the aim stake is fixed, the target ball can be hit (and thus moved) at any time, which can totally upset the score at the last second. And whereas official ‘bocce’ rules call for a smooth, prepared court with markers and sideboards, pétanque can be played on most outdoor surfaces, without any setup.
No special skill is required, adults can play with children, and the equipment is inexpensive. The game of pétanque is simple, relaxing, lots of fun, and a perfect way to make new friends. Last but not least, petanque can be – and usually is – played while enjoying a cool drink.
For more information about the game, go to: petanqueamerica.com