New pickleball courts at Cane Creek Park will satisfy some need, but a local leader in the sport’s community said the demand continues to grow.
USA Pickelball Association Ambassador Harry Smith said he sees the demand for more indoor courts. Smith said there are three dual-purpose courts shared with basketball in the local area.
“First United Methodist Church has three courts inside that are also dual use for basketball but that’s a limited area, and we just don’t have the ability to take the community in on that,” Smith said. “An indoor court, or a set of indoor courts is a dire need in our area”
Smith said the courts accommodate new players entering the expanding pickelball community. Smith said the local pickelball community is thriving, with 700 to 800 players within a 25 mile radius.
Smith said the community keeps growing everyday, as there are about 1,700 players within a 50 mile radius. Smith said the sport has low barriers for entry and most people can participate.
“The uniqueness of pickelball is it’s a sport appropriate for anyone nine to 90,” Smith said. “It fulfills a need for physical and mental wellness, it fulfills a need for socialization with other people and it also provides a competitive sport.”
Smith said many aging tennis players convert to pickelball to play on the smaller courts. Families can play with small children. Smith said pickelball can be easy to learn for all ages.
“It’s an easy sport to learn and its just a fun sport for all,” Smith said. “And again, good for mental physical wellness and socialization, with friendly competition.”
