Milton’s Pickleball Surge: Pickleball is surging in popularity, and Milton is feeling the heat that its current court space is struggling to keep up. With pickleball’s explosive growth sweeping across North America, Milton finds itself grappling with a pickleball court shortage of facilities.
Annie Lu, a leading advocate from the Milton Pickleball Association, has spearheaded a movement calling for the town to expand its pickleball infrastructure. The plan includes constructing new pickleball courts and installing lighting for existing ones.
“It’s the fastest growing sport in North America and we just feel like we need more courts. A lot of other towns with smaller populations actually have more.” – (Lu)
The current situation is far from ideal. In 2023, the Milton Pickleball Association boasted 300 members, but players frequently face long waits due to the high demand and limited court availability.
Yet Lu remains optimistic. “We have so many members. And so much space. And I think because of that, the passion of our association, I think we can make it a city where people travel to. We do so many programs, we do tournaments, clinics, learn-to-plays, and all of them sell out really quickly. So I think we can become a destination,” Lu said, envisioning Milton as a pickleball powerhouse.
The challenges Milton faces are reflective of a broader trend; as pickleball’s popularity skyrockets, many communities are struggling to keep up with the necessary infrastructure.
Rob Rafanan, president of the Milton Pickleball Association, sheds light on the game’s widespread appeal.
“There’s a low barrier of entry. You don’t need to be super athletic to play with players from all physicality ranges and athletic abilities. It’s great for mental health. It’s their social life. So, the majority of the people who we have met and play with, pickleball ends up being their physical outlet, their emotional outlet, their social well-being, their mental health. It’s very all encompassing.” – (Rafanan)
News in Brief: Milton’s Pickleball Surge
Pickleball’s soaring popularity in Milton has led to a pressing shortage of court space, prompting local advocates to call for urgent upgrades. Annie Lu from the Milton Pickleball Association has launched a campaign urging the town to build additional new pickleball courts and enhance existing ones with lighting. Lu highlights the sport’s rapid growth and the need for more facilities, noting that even smaller towns have better amenities.
Despite having 300 members in 2023, local players frequently face long wait times due to overcrowded courts. Rob Rafanan, association president, shows pickleball’s appeal, citing its accessibility for all ages and its benefits for mental and social well-being. The push for Milton to become a premier pickleball destination is gaining momentum.
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