Pickleball Rises in Iowa: Iowa became a hub of pickleball activity this summer. The distinctive pop of the hollow plastic ball bouncing off paddles echoed across parks, recreation centers, and even unexpected venues like sports bars and farms. Players of all ages could be seen sprinting across tennis courts freshly painted with new pickleball lines, laughing and shouting as they stretched to make match point across the lowered nets. The sport wasn’t just about competition—it fostered friendships, leagues, and a shared sense of community. Whether beginners or seasoned players, Iowans came together to learn, improve, and bond over the rhythmic crack of paddle meeting ball, all while wielding paddles in countless colors and designs.
Iowa, like the rest of the U.S., has seen an explosion in pickleball activity as courts spring up everywhere to meet demand. From parks in big cities to makeshift courts in rural areas, pickleball fever has gripped the state.
Pickleball’s Rise: A Statewide Phenomenon
The demand for pickleball courts has been driven by the sport’s accessibility—pickleball is easy to pick up, affordable, and appeals to people of all ages and athletic abilities. What started as a game favored by older adults has quickly caught on with younger generations, who are eager to join the fun.
“It can be competitive. It can be social. It can be kind of anything you want it to be,” said Stephanie Mehmen, general manager of Pickle Palace, a pickleball-centric venue in Cedar Rapids. Pickle Palace opened in January in the city’s developing Kingston Yard area, offering indoor and outdoor courts. According to Mehmen, the business has enjoyed a strong first summer. “The business has been wonderful,” she said, noting that leagues fill up fast. Located next to a new Big Grove Brewery and a green space that regularly hosts live music, the Pickle Palace has become a social hub for the community.
While Mehmen expected to see mostly older adults at her facility, the response from younger Iowans surprised her.
“We thought, initially, it was going to be an older demographic, that that older generation would come in and play during the day. But we have found that it’s a lot of younger people—young business professionals, a lot of families that want to spend their weekend here.” – (Mehmen)
The sport’s appeal has extended far beyond its original demographic.
From Cities to Farms: Pickleball’s Rural Appeal
While urban centers like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport boast multiple pickleball courts in gyms and recreation centers, rural Iowans have been just as eager to join in. Even on farms, pickleball courts are making an appearance, offering a unique twist to the sport’s expanding reach.
In the small town of Winthrop, retired phone line installer Dave Flexsenhar found his way to stay active. On his family’s farm, where cattle once roamed and hay filled the barn, Flexsenhar converted the upper hay loft of a 75-year-old barn into a regulation-sized pickleball court. The court has become a gathering spot for friends and neighbors during the colder months when outdoor play isn’t feasible. “It’s a fun way to get exercise, interact with your friends,” Flexsenhar said, standing on the edge of the blue court, his voice echoing beneath the barn’s vaulted roof.
The barn, which once housed farm equipment and Flexsenhar’s collection of running medals, is now an unlikely pickleball oasis. The space doubles as a playground for his 12 grandchildren, who use the basketball hoop and balls tucked away in the corner when they visit. Though Winthrop is near towns like Manchester and Aurora, which offer indoor pickleball courts, Flexsenhar prefers the convenience of his barn.
“When we have to go to other courts, we have to set up our net. We don’t have the permanent boundaries. We use temporary markers. This way, it’s all right here, and it’s simple.” – (Flexsenhar)
Flexsenhar isn’t the only rural Iowan to adopt pickleball on the farm. He notes that others have had the same idea, and his barn has become a local gathering spot for games. When the group gets together, the loft is filled with shouts, laughter, squeaking tennis shoes, and a bit of good-natured cursing. In true pickleball fashion, they’ve even made their T-shirts featuring some of their favorite court phrases—like “Were you [server] one or two?” and “What’s the score?”
“We play for fun, but we play seriously. But when it’s over, you don’t remember if you won or lost.” – (Flexsenhar)
Winter is Coming: Indoor Courts in Demand
As the summer season winds down and temperatures drop, indoor pickleball facilities are preparing for an influx of players. Dinks Pickleball in Des Moines opened last fall with 13 indoor courts, and their popularity continues to grow. Indoor courts can also be found in gyms, clubs, and recreation centers across the state, but they often come with membership fees, and long waitlists, and are concentrated in urban areas like Des Moines, Cedar Rapids, and Davenport.
For rural players like Flexsenhar, the transition to indoor courts in nearby towns is less appealing. His barn, with its permanent setup, offers a free and convenient alternative. And as winter sets in, the loft will continue to ring with the sounds of pickleball—a far cry from the days when it was filled with hay.
Flexsenhar and his friends may not compete in formal leagues, but that doesn’t make the games any less intense. With the court just a few steps from their farmhouse, they can continue playing long into the winter.
“When you’re having this much fun, it doesn’t matter if you win or lose.” – (Flexsenhar)
News in Brief: Pickleball Rises in Iowa
Pickleball’s popularity surged across Iowa this summer, with courts popping up in urban and rural areas. The sport’s accessibility has attracted players of all ages, leading to new facilities like Cedar Rapids’ Pickle Palace and even private courts in barns. Rural residents, like Dave Flexsenhar in Winthrop, converted barns into courts to enjoy the sport year-round.
As temperatures drop, indoor pickleball venues such as Dinks Pickleball in Des Moines are preparing for a busy season, with waitlists growing. While the sport is spreading across urban centers, rural Iowans have found creative ways to stay active.
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