Pickleball Courts are Revolutionizing Community Spaces: As new neighborhoods emerge and older ones undergo revitalization, pickleball courts are increasingly becoming a sought-after feature. This trend, prominently visible in communities across Delaware, highlights a shift driven by public demand and the sport’s accessible appeal.
Rising Popularity
Pickleball’s surge in popularity is largely attributed to its simplicity and broad appeal. According to Jeff Evans, sales and marketing director at Carl M. Freeman Companies, conversations at a recent home expo event revealed a clear preference for pickleball courts over tennis facilities. “No one asked about tennis; they were all interested in pickleball.” Evans noted. This preference is fueled by the sport’s fun factor and the reduced physical strain compared to tennis.
Why Pickleball?
The game’s growing appeal can be traced to its ease of learning and play. Unlike tennis, where players cover a large court and engage in fast-paced rallies, pickleball features a smaller court (20 feet by 44 feet) and a slower-moving ball.
The ball’s plastic, hollow design and the game’s simplified strokes make it more approachable for average athletes. Players also experience less physical strain, as the smaller court size means less running and a more manageable pace.
A Social and Fitness Boost
Pickleball’s format encourages social interaction and fitness, making it an attractive option for those looking to stay active while engaging with their community. The game, resembling tennis in its use of forehands, backhands, and volleys, is played with a paddle on a court that can be adapted from tennis courts or specifically designed for pickleball.
The Growing Infrastructure
The expansion of pickleball courts is evident across various public parks and community developments. The USA Pickleball Association reports approximately 4.8 million players nationwide, and recent trends show pickleball courts surpassing golf courses as a preferred amenity in high-end developments. The Sports & Fitness Industry Association even documented a 21.3 percent increase in pickleball players in 2019, showing the sport’s rapid growth.
Local Developments
For those eager to play close to home, several communities are either featuring existing pickleball courts or planning to include them in upcoming developments. Notable locations include:
- Bishops Landing, Millville
- Captains Way, Milton (to be built)
- Coastal Club, Lewes (to be built)
- Headwater Cove, Lewes (to be built)
- Marlin Chase, Ocean View
- Middle Creek Preserve, Lewes
- Outer Banks, Lewes
- Peninsula, Millsboro
- Peninsula Village, Millville by the Sea
- Plantations and Plantations East, adjacent to Dave Marshall’s Tennis and Pickleball Center
- Reserves at Lewes Landing, Lewes
- Sawgrass at White Oak Creek, Rehoboth
- The Estuary, Frankford (Fenwick and Bethany area)
- Vines of Sandhill, Milton
- Walden, Harbeson
News in Brief: Pickleball Courts are Revolutionizing Community Spaces
As the trend toward incorporating pickleball courts continues, it’s clear that the sport’s blend of fun, accessibility, and social engagement is reshaping community amenities. Whether a seasoned player or new to the game, the growing presence of pickleball courts is a promising development for all fitness enthusiasts and community members.
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