Bayfront Park Pickleball vs Tennis: The rapid rise of pickleball at Bayfront Park on Longboat Key has changed how the park is used. The two hardcourt tennis courts now share space with seven pickleball courts. This has created busy mornings and crowded courts, affecting tennis players like Christopher and Hannah Reynolds from Sarasota.
Pickleball Growth and Popularity
Pickleball first appeared at Bayfront Park in 2013 as a pilot on one tennis court. Seeing its popularity, the town added a permanent court in 2015 and eventually lined the second tennis court for pickleball in 2023.
“Obviously everybody loved the two pickleball courts, so that’s why we built a permanent one,”
said Mark Richardson, Longboat Key streets, facilities, parks and recreation manager.
Sheila Loccisano, a daily player, said the sport draws large crowds.
“During season, you could wait an hour, an hour and 20 minutes to play one game. One game lasts 15 to 20 minutes,”(Sheila Loccisano).
Players often bike to the park because parking is limited. Pickleball is social, with teams rotating in and spectators watching while waiting.
Tennis Players Adjust
Tennis players like Christopher and Hannah Reynolds notice the changes.
“The only time it’s annoying is just when you come and the tennis courts are full of (pickleball players),” (Christopher).
“I think it’s fair enough to say first come, first serve. And we talk with a bunch of the pickleball players that play here, and they’re so nice to us. They’re so kind.”(Hannah Reynolds)
The town alternates court use during peak season. Tuesdays and Thursdays are reserved for tennis from 9 a.m. to noon, while Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays are for pickleball. This schedule helps balance both sports, according to Mark Richardson.
Tennis Remains Strong
Tennis continues to grow on the Key, mostly at the Longboat Key Tennis Center, which has 10 “Har-Tru” clay courts available for membership or $18 walk-on play. Ron Watts, director of the nonprofit Friends of Tennis group, said,
“Tennis numbers here have been steadily increasing nicely.”
Andy Sawyer, 82, a regular player, prefers clay courts and said hardcourt tennis courts were rarely used even before pickleball arrived.
Friends of Tennis has helped fund new courts and a clubhouse and hopes to expand further with the town’s “Complete the Green” project. Despite pickleball’s popularity, tennis maintains strong participation on Longboat Key.
Finding Balance
Mark Richardson said the town tries to balance the needs of both sports.
“We’ve noticed capacity has only really been a morning problem,” (Mark Richardson).
Pickleball players may want more courts, but Richardson notes the park must remain accessible for all users. Loccisano added there is generally “mutual respect” between pickleball and tennis players, with scheduling helping reduce conflicts.
News in Brief: Bayfront Park Pickleball vs Tennis
Pickleball has grown rapidly at Bayfront Park on Longboat Key, taking over two former tennis courts. Seven pickleball courts now accommodate dozens of players, creating busy mornings for tennis enthusiasts. The town balances both sports with scheduled court times, while tennis continues to grow at other facilities on the Key.