Pickleball in Brookhaven: Pickleball, with its quirky name and newfound appeal, has swiftly captured global attention. What began as a leisurely summer pastime now boasts international acclaim, carving out its distinct niche despite similarities to tennis and ping-pong. The sport’s rise has led to the establishment of bodies like the International Federation of Pickleball and the World Pickleball Federation, sparking discussions of its potential inclusion in the Olympics.
On Long Island, the influence of pickleball is visible. Over the past two years, the Town of Brookhaven has installed its first 11 outdoor courts at Centereach Park, a number recently expanded to 22. Town Supervisor Dan Panico (R) succinctly confirms its trend status among residents, affirming, ‘It is.’
Roots of Pickleball
In Brookhaven, Panico notes a surge in demand for more courts, citing heavy utilization prompting increased funding to double court numbers. Plans also include resurfacing three existing courts at the Brookhaven Aquatic Center in Mastic Beach to meet rising popularity. Panico observes firsthand the courts’ morning buzz at the Moriches Athletic Complex, showing the community’s embrace of pickleball.
“Around the town, there has been an impetus to install more pickleball courts, because the popularity of the sport has exploded, The existing courts were so heavily utilized that we put additional monies in the budgewt to double the number of courts townwide.” -( Dan Panico )
Panico emphasized that pickleball’s popularity isn’t just a topic of conversation but is visibly evident: “When I left my house this morning, I went past the Moriches Athletic Complex, and I was pleased to see that the courts were full. And that was early in the morning, so people are utilizing them and that’s what we want them to do. We try to meet the needs of our residents to the best of our ability.”
Across Long Island, from Port Jefferson to Smithtown and Huntington, pickleball courts are proliferating, mirroring its growing popularity nationwide.