Pickleball’s Rise in Joplin: Pickleball, with its quirky name, is rapidly becoming a favorite pastime across the United States and especially in local communities around the four states area. “We always say, it’s a fantastic sport with a goofy name,” remarked Tim Ingram, coordinator of the Miami, OK pickleball group.
Explosive Growth and Popularity
Pickleball has surged to become the fastest-growing sport in America, boasting a growth of 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and an astounding 223.5% over the past four years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA). For three consecutive years, SFIA has reported that pickleball tops the list among 124 tracked sports in terms of participation growth.
“You see it every day when, you know, you drive by empty tennis courts and then parks are turning tennis courts into pickleball courts,” noted Jim Cox, coordinator of the Joplin pickleball group. “Pickleball is just absolutely blowing up everywhere.”
A Social and Community Sport
Beyond its physical benefits, pickleball offers a unique social experience, providing players with opportunities to form strong community bonds. “You basically get a family out of the group,” said Jami Strickland, a participant in the Joplin pickleball group. “You end up coming off the courts, knowing people and being good friends with them and everything else like that.”
The Numbers Speak for Themselves
The enthusiasm for pickleball is reflected in the impressive statistics. The 2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report revealed that 36.5 million individuals played pickleball at least once in the past year, representing 14% of the adult population in America. This diverse player base spans all ages, further showcasing the sport’s widespread appeal.
Local Developments and Future Prospects
To accommodate the growing number of enthusiasts, local fitness centers like Millennium Family Fitness in Joplin are expanding their pickleball facilities. This contributes to Missouri’s impressive tally of 894 registered courts, as noted by the SFIA.
“We used to have to scramble around to try to find a place to play because there were so few courts around,” said Ingram. “But now new courts are popping up everywhere. And I think that’s fantastic.”
The rise of pickleball, both locally in Joplin and across the nation, shows a broader trend towards sports that promote health, community, and inclusivity. With its rapid growth and enthusiastic following, pickleball is set to continue its expansion, bringing more people together on the courts and building a sense of camaraderie that extends beyond the game.
News in Brief: Pickleball’s Rise in Joplin
Pickleball is rapidly gaining popularity in Joplin and across the United States. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, the sport has grown 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and 223.5% since 2020, making it the fastest-growing sport in the country for three consecutive years. Local groups, such as those in Miami, OK, and Joplin, are seeing increased participation. Jim Cox from Joplin highlighted the transformation of tennis courts into pickleball courts as evidence of the sport’s rise. Additionally, fitness centers like Millennium Family Fitness in Joplin are expanding their facilities to meet demand. The 2023 APP Pickleball Participation Report shows that 36.5 million Americans played pickleball in the past year, reflecting its broad appeal.
ALAO READ: Paris Pickleball Club Serves Hope: Rallying for St. Jude Charity
