HomePickleball NewsUSA Pickleball NewsThe Rapid Rise of Pickleball in Central Arkansas: How the Sport is...

The Rapid Rise of Pickleball in Central Arkansas: How the Sport is Gaining Momentum

Rapid Rise of Pickleball in Central Arkansas: Pickleball has quickly become one of the most talked-about sports in the United States, and now central Arkansas is joining the ranks of cities embracing the game. With its rapid rise in popularity, it’s clear that pickleball is no longer just a fad—it’s here to stay.

The Rapid Growth of Pickleball

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) reports that pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the country, with participation soaring by 223% in the past three years. The growth trend is especially notable post-pandemic, as people seek outdoor activities that are social and low-cost. According to SFIA, pickleball participation jumped from 2.5 million before the pandemic to a staggering 13.6 million by 2023.

Alex Kerman from SFIA highlights the game’s broad appeal: “We don’t see that type of growth at that large of a base,” he said, acknowledging pickleball’s universal accessibility and its role in bringing people back together after isolation during the pandemic.

A Sport for Everyone

Pickleball’s accessibility is one of the key reasons for its explosion in popularity. Darius Jackson, a regular at Kanis Park in Little Rock, said the simplicity of the game makes it easy for anyone to play.

“Everybody can play. Everybody is so friendly. They just help me out and teach me.” – (Darius Jackson)

Similarly, Lynn Allison, an older player at Kanis Park, enjoys the fun and social aspect of the game. “It’s just so much fun,” she said, emphasizing how pickleball brings people together, regardless of age or skill level.

The game’s accessibility is a key part of its appeal, as it doesn’t require advanced skills or extreme athleticism to enjoy. As Jackson and Allison’s experiences show, the social atmosphere is just as important as the sport itself.

Little Rock pickleball

The Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts

Local officials are noticing the surge in interest and are responding with plans to expand pickleball facilities. Little Rock Parks and Recreation director Leland Couch says there’s a constant demand for more pickleball courts. “It’s a melting pot of people and diversity that really makes it fun,” Couch said, highlighting the inclusive nature of the sport.

However, funding has been a challenge. Despite efforts to fund the construction of new courts through a one-cent sales tax, the proposal was rejected on the Nov. 5 ballot. If passed, the funding would have supported the creation of a 30-court indoor complex and a 20-court outdoor facility near War Memorial. Couch believes this initiative would have made Little Rock a regional leader in pickleball.

Major Developments on the Horizon

In exciting news for Little Rock pickleball fans, the world’s largest indoor pickleball complex, Pickleball Kingdom, is set to open in the city. Founder and CEO Ace Rodrigues expressed his enthusiasm for the expansion, stating,

“This expansion represents our ongoing commitment to providing world-class facilities and fostering vibrant communities centered around the sport of pickleball. And there’s no better place in Arkansas for us to plant our flag than in Little Rock.” – (Ace Rodrigues)

Pickleball Thrives in Central Arkansas Communities

While Little Rock leads the charge, other nearby cities are also embracing pickleball. In Bryant, the Bishop Park Community Center has organized a new indoor league, its first since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Program coordinator Hunter Bolin is excited about the opportunities the new league brings, noting that amateur and advanced players are involved.

Bryant also boasts a popular outdoor facility at Mills Park, which Bolin said the city is eager to make the most of. “We definitely want to utilize it,” he explained. In fact, the inclusive nature of the sport is one of its strongest features—Bolin pointed out that it doesn’t matter how athletic a player is. “We have a guy down there playing in a wheelchair tonight,” he said, highlighting the adaptability of pickleball for players of all abilities.

News in Brief: Rapid Rise of Pickleball in Central Arkansas

Pickleball’s popularity continues to soar in central Arkansas, with participation growing by 223% over the last three years. The sport’s accessibility and social nature are major draws, allowing people of all ages and skill levels to get involved.

Local parks in Little Rock, Bryant, and other cities are expanding to accommodate the demand, though a proposed sales tax for additional courts was recently voted down. Despite this, major developments like Pickleball Kingdom’s upcoming indoor pickleball facility promise to support the region’s growing pickleball community.

ALSO READ: New Pickleball Courts Added to Creekside Park in Farmington to Boost Outdoor Fun

RELATED ARTICLES

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Most Recent