Delaware’s Pickleball Revolution: Pickleball, the sport that’s been taking America by storm, is set for a new chapter in Delaware. The game, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and table tennis, has grown exponentially, from 3 million players in 2017 to nearly 14 million today. Its appeal lies in its fast-paced, engaging play on a smaller court, which demands less physical endurance compared to tennis.
Midway Motion and Fitness: A Homegrown Vision
Leading the charge is Midway Motion and Fitness in Rehoboth Beach, spearheaded by Richard Garrett. Known for his ambitious vision, Garrett aims to build the largest and most sophisticated indoor pickleball complex in Delaware. The $7.5 million project will feature 16 regulation-sized courts, with 12 indoors and 4 outdoors, designed to meet American Pickleball Association standards.
The facility will also include amenities such as lockers, food service, and space for up to 500 spectators. Funded partly by Delaware’s new Sports Tourism Capital Investment Fund, the project is expected to open in late 2026. Garrett’s vision includes hosting national tournaments and offering a year-round venue for players of all skill levels. He emphasizes the benefit of indoor courts for maintaining play regardless of weather and creating a community hub for players of all ages and abilities.
The Picklr’s Expansion to Newark
In Newark, The Picklr is set to make its mark with an indoor facility at The Grove shopping center, in the space formerly occupied by Kmart. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by The Picklr, a Utah-based franchise with a rapidly growing network of locations. Expected to open in early 2025, the Newark site will offer a dozen indoor courts, including three championship-size courts for tournament play.
Franchisees Jeff and James Maguire, both seasoned entrepreneurs and pickleball enthusiasts, are excited about bringing this high-quality facility to Delaware. They plan to incorporate sound baffling to manage the noise typical of pickleball games and are exploring additional locations in Middletown and other areas to further develop the local pickleball community. Their commitment includes fostering partnerships with local schools and organizations to promote the sport across the region.
Bounce Pickleball’s Delaware Debut
Lastly, Bounce Pickleball, founded by Talen Singer and Bill King, will bring its successful formula to Wilmington by the end of 2024. Bounce, which established itself as a premier indoor pickleball destination in Malvern, Pennsylvania, is expanding rapidly. The Wilmington location will offer a similar setup, focusing on providing a vibrant social and competitive environment for pickleball players. With plans to open up to five locations in greater Philadelphia, Bounce’s entry into Delaware is highly anticipated.
Marketing manager Braden Keith highlights the growing demand and community engagement surrounding pickleball, noting that their Wilmington facility will cater to around 100 members from Delaware alone. The new venue is expected to be a significant addition to the state’s sports landscape, offering a new gathering spot for enthusiasts and helping to drive the sport’s continued growth.
As Delaware braces for its first indoor pickleball complexes, these projects underscore the state’s commitment to accommodating the sport’s rising popularity and expanding access for players across the region.
News in Brief: Delaware’s Pickleball Revolution
Delaware is on the brink of its first indoor pickleball complexes as three major projects race to open. Midway Motion and Fitness in Rehoboth Beach plans a $7.5 million facility with 16 courts, aiming for a late 2026 debut. The Picklr in Newark, opening in early 2025, will feature a dozen courts, including championship-size options. Bounce Pickleball, expanding from Malvern, aims to launch its Wilmington location by the end of 2024. These developments reflect pickleball’s explosive growth, from 3 million players in 2017 to nearly 14 million today, and promise to enhance access and enjoyment in Delaware.
Also Read: The Journey of Pickleball in Japan: From Unknown to Loved
