Pickleball Courts Coming to Delaware: Delaware is seeing a rise in pickleball popularity with millions being invested in new facilities. Three major indoor courts are set to open this year in New Castle County, including Dill Dinkers in Newport, The Picklr in Newark, and Bounce Pickleball in Wilmington. These developments are part of the state’s growing investment in the sport.
Delaware’s Growing Pickleball Scene
In recent years, pickleball has experienced a surge in popularity across the United States, and Delaware is no exception.
Millions have been set aside in local budgets to build new pickleball courts, and at least three new indoor facilities are scheduled to open in 2025. These new centers will provide residents with more options to play, socialize, and improve their skills.
Dill Dinkers: Newport’s New Pickleball Hub
Dill Dinkers, a national chain with dozens of locations, is preparing to open a new facility in Newport. The 30,000-square-foot space, located at 500 Water Drive, will feature 10 pickleball courts, including seven championship-sized courts.
The facility, led by siblings Lauren and James Cassady, is expected to open by mid- to late February. It will also offer pickleball clinics, leagues, and PlaySight technology for experienced players. The facility will provide additional amenities like a pro shop and areas for other activities such as table tennis and cornhole.
More Pickleball Coming to Delaware
Dill Dinkers is not the only new facility coming to Delaware. The Picklr will open in Newark’s The Grove, with 12 courts set to open in May.
In Wilmington, Bounce Pickleball will open a new eight-court facility at 510 Justinson St. on February 1. These new locations will add to the area’s growing collection of pickleball courts and bring more opportunities for local players.
Why Pickleball Is Rising?
Pickleball’s popularity has exploded in recent years, especially after the pandemic. The game’s appeal lies in how easy it is to learn and its social, fun nature.
Ron Pinsky, the director of Pickleball at Dill Dinkers Newport, explained, “It’s way easier to learn than any other racket sport. With pickleball, you just see smiles and people laughing and high-fiving. It’s more fun, it’s a lot quicker and it’s very social. It’s also a great workout.”
In addition to the private facilities, Delaware has invested in public courts. Former County Executive Matt Meyer announced that millions would go toward building at least 25 new public pickleball courts in New Castle County. The state has also allocated funding for youth programs to help further grow the sport.
Significance of the Growth
The rapid rise in pickleball facilities and courts in Delaware signals the growing importance of the sport in the state. With investments in both public and private facilities, more people will have access to play, and the community will continue to grow.
The expansion of pickleball is expected to bring more health benefits and social opportunities for people of all ages.
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts Coming to Delaware
Delaware is investing millions into pickleball facilities, with new locations opening in Newport, Newark, and Wilmington in 2025. Dill Dinkers, The Picklr, and Bounce Pickleball will provide residents with more access to the sport, which has grown rapidly in popularity due to its social and easy-to-learn nature.
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