Brunswick Unveils New Pickleball Courts: Despite its explosive rise in popularity over the past four years, pickleball remains a vibrant and integral part of the community in Midcoast Maine. The sport continues to captivate players of all ages and skill levels, maintaining its appeal even in a rapidly changing recreational landscape.
“I haven’t been active in sports in… Well, until I started doing this,” said Rick Powell, Vice President of Midcoast Maine Pickleball. Powell, reflecting on the club’s origins, noted how the organization took root in 2018 when a group of enthusiasts refurbished an old tennis court. Since then, pickleball’s footprint has expanded well beyond Brunswick, resonating throughout Maine.
The Midcoast Maine Pickleball Club, now a cornerstone of local sports, manages and maintains several courts in Brunswick. Membership is open to everyone, including visitors from outside the state. Powell emphasized, “We’ve been growing like crazy ever since,” highlighting the club’s impressive expansion.
Despite the challenges posed by the coronavirus pandemic, which initially halted activities, membership surged by 300 percent since 2020. Recent developments underscore the sport’s enduring popularity. The town of Brunswick recently completed phase one of the Midcoast Athletic and Recreation Complex, featuring eight new pickleball courts on a 10-acre parcel donated by the U.S. Navy, adjacent to the existing Brunswick Recreation Center.
“In this first phase, it was about $1.67 million,” said Brunswick Parks and Recreation Director Tom Farrell. “And we did that all without any appropriation from our town’s general fund.”
Looking ahead, phase two of the project will introduce additional amenities, including basketball courts, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool.
Pickleball’s appeal lies in its accessibility, accommodating players regardless of age, athletic ability, or skill level. “You can play and really challenge yourself, or you can just come out and have a good time,” said player Joel Smith. The social aspect, where players rotate and interact, also adds to its charm. Both Smith and Powell advocate for anyone interested to give the sport a try, underscoring its inclusive and engaging nature.
News in Brief: Brunswick Unveils New Pickleball Courts
Pickleball remains a major draw in Midcoast Maine, with the sport continuing to thrive since its surge in popularity four years ago. The Midcoast Maine Pickleball Club, established in 2018, has seen substantial growth, boasting a 300 percent increase in membership since 2020. The town of Brunswick recently completed the first phase of the Midcoast Athletic and Recreation Complex, featuring eight new pickleball courts on a 10-acre site donated by the U.S. Navy. This $1.67 million project, funded without town general fund appropriations, marks a significant expansion. Future phases will include basketball courts, tennis courts, and an outdoor pool. The sport’s accessibility and social aspects remain key attractions.
ALSO READ: Cottonwood Heights Pickleball Recreation Center: City’s Pickleball Hub
