Pickleball Expands in Oklahoma City Community College: Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) is stepping into a new chapter with the grand opening of its pickleball courts, marking the transition from the old Aquatic Center, which ceased operations in 2015. This initiative reflects the college’s commitment to embracing the fastest-growing sport in the U.S.
Free Access for Students and Affordable Options for the Community
The four regulation-size pickleball courts will be available for students and faculty at no cost. The broader community can access the courts with a day pass priced at $10 or opt for a membership.
This move aligns OCCC with a sports trend that has seen explosive growth; the Association of Pickleball Players reports that over 48 million adults in the U.S. engaged in pickleball last year, with a staggering 223.5% growth from 2020 to 2023, according to Pickleball USA.
Community Response and Development
Mike Shugart, OCCC’s director of recreation and wellness services, highlighted strong interest in pickleball among students.
“When I started playing it, they said that it was the fastest-growing sport in America, but now I’m hearing that it’s the fastest-growing sport in the world. It’s all over the place now.” – (Shugart)
The adaptation of the old pool deck area into pickleball courts involved significant renovations, including the construction of a 10-foot wall separating the courts from the former swimming pool, new concrete floors, lighting, and a four-foot chain link fence.
“We started by building a 10-foot wall that separates the courts from the old swimming pool.” – (Shugart)
Future Plans and Opening Hours
The courts have received positive feedback from staff, who are already utilizing them during lunch breaks and after work. “It all turned out really nice, and everybody’s excited,” Shugart remarked. Plans for department competitions, intramurals, and potentially tournaments are in the works. Following a soft opening post-Labor Day, the grand opening celebration is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. Monday.
“We’ve had nothing but rave reviews.” – (Shugart)
The courts will operate from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday, with potential Saturday hours to be added based on demand.
“I’m going to wait until we start seeing more people, the courts more full, and then I’ll expand the hours.” – (Shugart)
News in Brief: Pickleball Expands in Oklahoma City Community College
Oklahoma City Community College (OCCC) has launched four new pickleball courts in the renovated old Aquatic Center, offering free access to students and affordable options for the public. The sport, which has seen a 223.5% growth from 2020 to 2023, is becoming a significant part of OCCC’s recreational offerings.
The grand opening is set for Monday, with the courts operating weekdays from 6 a.m. to 7 p.m., with potential for expanded hours based on usage. The college plans to introduce department competitions and intramurals soon.
ALSO READ: Oklahoma Senior Pickleball Games 2024 Set for October
