Pickleball in Tacoma: Pickleball is quickly becoming one of Tacoma’s most popular sports. From children to seniors, including a 94-year-old player, people across all ages are enjoying the game at community centers run by the Parks Tacoma. The sport is easy to learn, low-cost, and growing faster than ever.
Growing Demand for Court Time
Pickleball has seen major growth over the last few years at Parks Tacoma, formerly called Metro Parks. According to Jon Manley of The News Tribune, Ralph Thomas, a recreation supervisor, said the department now uses 40% of its gym time for pickleball.
“It has been an amazing, uncontrollable growth. Especially in the last two to four years at Parks Tacoma.” – (Thomas)
Thomas added that they struggled in the past to get people to use the centers. That changed when pickleball caught on.
“We asked for five years, ‘How do we get our community centers more active?’ We found the answer.” – (Thomas)
A Sport for All Generations
Pickleball is beginner-friendly, has small courts, and quick-paced games. While it’s easy to start, mastering it takes practice. That challenge keeps people coming back.
“It’s a large range of people playing. I think it’s gonna continue to grow. … We’re starting to see grandkids attending with their grandparents and playing, getting pickleball established as part of their life. I think when the pickleball craze goes through the younger generation, that will continue to grow.” – (Thomas)
One woman recently celebrated her 94th birthday by playing on a Parks Tacoma pickleball court.
Budget-Friendly Growth for the City
Terry Jungman, the capital improvement program manager at Parks Tacoma, said the city didn’t have to spend much to meet demand. Instead of building new courts, the department painted pickleball lines on tennis courts and used indoor basketball courts.
“It bridges the gap. The demand came about pretty quickly. We had to adapt and meet that demand.” – (Jungman)
Even though it’s not the most requested feature in city surveys, Parks Tacoma now ranks pickleball as a “medium priority.” Walking trails still top the list.
New Courts and Membership Program
Dedicated pickleball courts may be added at Peck Community Sports Park in central Tacoma. Parks Tacoma is considering two to four pickleball courts at the park on Sprague Avenue.
“The best practice moving forward is to develop dedicated facilities for pickleball.” – (Jungman)
The department also runs the “Grit City Gherkins Pickleball Club.” It offers unlimited play for $7 per month or $65 per year at any Tacoma community center. Pickleball is currently played indoors at the Center at Norpoint, People’s Center, Hope/Schatz Boys & Girls Club, and Eastside Community Center.
“They have morning hours, afternoon hours, sometimes evening hours. They’re all well attended.” – (Thomas)
Starting this summer, outdoor pickleball courts at several parks — including STAR Center, Point Defiance, and Jefferson Park — will also have pickleball nets.
A Sport That’s Likely Here to Stay
Parks Tacoma staff believe pickleball will keep growing.
“It’s multi-generational. It’s starting to come down to young kids. It’s something that spans a wide variety of ages. The popularity is something that will continue to climb, little by little. I think it’s something very likely here to stay.” – (Jungman)
News in Brief: Pickleball in Tacoma
Pickleball is rising in Tacoma, with people of all ages joining the fun. Parks Tacoma now dedicates 40% of its gym time to the sport. Staff plan to add new courts and expand outdoor play. They believe the game’s wide appeal means it will stay popular for years to come.
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