Pickleball Court at Optima Verdana: At the Optima Verdana apartments in Wilmette, Illinois, the pickleball court is more than just a place to play—it’s where neighbors become friends. Helena Harron spends several days a week there playing pickup games with other residents. These games have helped her build a close-knit group she calls the “pickleball crew.”
Helena and her family moved into the building in 2023. They first planned to stay briefly while house hunting, but ended up loving the community and amenities.
Amenities Help Build Community and Wellness
Pickleball courts like the one at Optima Verdana are now common in apartment complexes. These spaces encourage residents to stay active and connect with others. Helena’s husband uses the gym and sauna, while their son enjoys the golf simulator, showing how the building offers many ways to relax and socialize.
Ali Burnham, vice president of marketing for Optima, explained that developers aim to create wellness-focused spaces where residents can exercise, relax, or find peace. The pickleball court is one of many amenities designed to improve tenants’ daily lives.
More Than Just a Game: A Supportive Network
For Helena Harron, the pickleball court isn’t only about playing sports—it’s about community. She described the group as “a nice group” and “a supportive network,” with friendships growing through games and shared moments. The group even celebrates each other’s birthdays and shares cooking classes, showing how the court brings residents together beyond the sport.
Helena hopes these friendships will last even if she moves to a new house later. She plans to return to play pickleball and invite her friends over, proving how apartment amenities can create lasting bonds.
News in Brief: Pickleball Court at Optima Verdana
At Optima Verdana in Wilmette, a pickleball court is helping residents build friendships and stay active. Helena Harron, a resident, says the court created a supportive community she calls the “pickleball crew.” This amenity is part of a growing trend where apartment complexes offer wellness spaces to connect tenants.
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