Chicago’s Pickleball Craze: Pickleball remains the fastest-growing sport in the United States, with participation rising 223.5% in the past three years, according to the Chicago Sun-Times. In Chicago, the game’s rapid rise has spurred the Chicago Park District to expand outdoor courts while refurbishing older ones.
However, as the weather grows colder, indoor facilities are emerging as a critical need for year-round play. Vivian Mumaw, a resident of Lake View’s Southport Corridor, shows the challenge.
“There’s not a lot of indoor courts. Now that it’s starting to get colder, we’ll see what happens. It’ll be a little bit of a free-for-all.” – (Vivian Mumaw)
For now, Mumaw and others flock to places like SPF in Lincoln Park, which is one of Chicago’s largest indoor pickleball facilities. Yet, SPF’s capacity of 16 players at a time, and Ace’s upcoming Des Plaines location accommodating 52 players, show the city still has ground to cover.
Park District’s Push for Growth
The Chicago Park District’s taxpayer-supported Pickleball Mania initiative is addressing the sport’s demand by aiming to add 200 new pickleball courts by 2025—a substantial increase from earlier goals.
Outdoor spaces are seeing progress, such as the addition of eight new courts at Jackson Park, a project funded by the Chicago Recovery Plan. However, the demand for weatherproof play persists, highlighting the need for more accessible indoor pickleball facilities.
Indoor Expansion Faces Real Estate Hurdles
Turning indoor pickleball facilities from vision to reality is no simple task in a city like Chicago. Facilities need to balance industrial requirements, like high ceilings, with player-centric amenities, including ample parking and retail access. Chris Bobowski, a senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, explained,
“You’re looking for industrial, but you need retail parking. If you’re just in an industrial park that may not be as enticing for players.” – (Chris Bobowski)
Factors such as zoning laws and liquor licenses add to the complexity, as highlighted by current pop-ups like SPL in Logan Square.
The Community Connection
Despite these hurdles, the community aspect of pickleball thrives in Chicago. For players like 82-year-old Margaret Olawoye, pickleball is more than a sport—it’s a way to build friendships. Constance Turner Burkes shared her first impression of Olawoye.
“She came over here to Jackson Park, where we play every Monday and Wednesday, and we’re like, ‘Who is that lady? She’s good.'” – (Burkes)
Such stories show how Chicago’s pickleball courts foster fitness, friendship, and a vibrant social culture.
News in Brief: Chicago’s Pickleball Craze
Pickleball continues to grow rapidly in Chicago, with participation up 223.5% nationally in the past three years. While the Chicago Park District is adding 200 new courts by 2025, the demand for indoor pickleball facilities remains high.
Players like Vivian Mumaw note the limited indoor options, leading to packed venues like SPF in Lincoln Park. Real estate hurdles, such as zoning and parking, complicate expansion efforts. Despite challenges, pickleball’s community spirit thrives, with players like Margaret Olawoye showing the sport’s ability to bring people together.
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