Pickleball Faces Court Crunch in Guam: Since gaining federal non-profit status in August 2021, the Pickleball Guam Association (PGA) has seen impressive growth, tripling its membership from 35 to 105. Yet, this success is tempered by a pressing issue: the island’s limited supply of suitable pickleball courts.
Rising Demand Meets Limited Supply
Initially, the PGA used makeshift courts with taped lines and portable nets at the Guam National Tennis Center (GNTC). The move to GNTC’s four-court junior tennis courts, following the installation of new lights, promised improvement but came with its own set of challenges. The courts’ dimensions were too cramped, and competing club members led to a less-than-ideal playing environment. Despite the $365 annual membership fee, peak times at GNTC often see over 30 players waiting for their turn, with only four players per court.
Temporary Solutions Fall Short
Thanks to Tamuning Mayor Louise Rivera, the PGA has utilized two tennis courts in Tamuning for pickleball on Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday evenings. These courts are transformed into seven temporary pickleball courts using masking tape and portable nets. However, the facility is becoming inadequate for the growing demand. Recent Tuesday nights have seen over 100 players, including locals, military members, and visitors, but with only 28 players able to play at a time, wait times have stretched to 20-30 minutes. The lack of amenities such as running water and comfortable seating adds to the discomfort.
Efforts to Expand
The PGA attributes its growth to a strong social media presence, community involvement from local corporations like Black Construction and Core Tech International Corp., and increasing visibility. Yet, the association’s efforts to find new sites have faced setbacks. The PGA has sought approval from Micronesia Mall and Agana Shopping Center for new pickleball courts but has been turned down. Alternative sites like abandoned tennis courts at Tiyan and vacant warehouses have also proven elusive. The PGA is exploring additional options, including hotels and village mayors, and intensifying its presence at GNTC.
Looking Forward
“We truly appreciate the efforts of our members in giving us leads and pieces of advice on these options and as well as their initiatives in exploring other venues.” – (PGA board)
Despite the current constraints, the PGA remains committed to finding a permanent solution. The association is also in discussions with the Chamorro Land Trust Commission, hoping to secure a long-term lease and build its facility similar to the GNTC, which took years of determination and legislative support.
“It is every member’s dream to have our own facility that we could be proud to call our home – with great training facilities. We will explore partnering with GNTF in hopefully expanding GNTC for additional pickleball courts. We would need committed members with similar vision to stay with PGA to implement this endeavor.” – (PGA board)
News in Brief: Pickleball Faces Court Crunch in Guam
The Pickleball Guam Association (PGA) has experienced rapid growth, expanding from 35 to 105 members since its federal nonprofit recognition in August 2021. However, a shortage of suitable pickleball courts is causing problems. The association’s makeshift courts at the Guam National Tennis Center (GNTC) are inadequate due to space and time constraints, while temporary courts in Tamuning are falling short of demand.
Despite efforts to secure new sites, including attempts with Micronesia Mall and Agana Shopping Center, the PGA has faced setbacks. The association is exploring additional options and hopes to partner with the Chamorro Land Trust Commission to build a dedicated facility, aiming to enhance training and playing conditions for its members.
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