Chicago’s Portage Park Opens New Pickleball Courts: Chicago’s Portage Park has opened four brand-new pickleball and tennis courts, with city officials setting their sights on an ambitious expansion plan. The park now boasts four dedicated pickleball courts alongside four tennis courts, replacing six aging tennis courts. This move is part of a broader effort to meet the increasing demand for pickleball, a sport quickly gaining traction across the United States and around the world.
Plans for Expansion
The city’s park district is not stopping there. Officials have announced plans to build 200 more pickleball courts by 2025. This initiative is a direct response to the sport’s explosive growth, positioning Chicago to be at the forefront of pickleball’s popularity surge.
With a price tag of $365,000 for the Portage Park project, it’s clear that Chicago is committed to expanding its pickleball infrastructure and meeting the needs of an ever-growing community of players.
Celebrity Endorsements
The rise of pickleball isn’t just confined to the courts of Chicago. WWE superstar Becky Lynch, a vocal pickleball fan, shared a photo from the court earlier this year. Lynch, who has been on a break from WWE since May, is part of the growing wave of celebrities embracing the sport.
Fellow WWE presenter Jackie Redmond is another notable fan, even suggesting that pickleball should be included in the Olympics. In a playful moment, Redmond named Nia Jax as her ideal teammate for a pickleball match, emphasizing their relationship with a mix of playful banter and genuine friendship.
“I have to say Nia Jax here. I know that she tries to convince everyone that she hates me, she doesn’t, she actually loves me. It’s like a weird relationship where legitimately, we see each other in the locker room and she’s always making fun of me and being mean, but I know that she loves me.” – (Jackie Redmond)
News in Brief: Chicago’s Portage Park Opens New Pickleball Courts
Portage Park in Chicago has opened four new pickleball courts as part of a larger initiative to meet the sport’s rising demand. The park also boasts four new tennis courts, replacing older ones. The Chicago Park District plans to build 200 more pickleball courts by 2025.
The $365,000 project aims to support the booming popularity of pickleball, with celebrity endorsements from WWE stars like Becky Lynch and Jackie Redmond further fueling interest in the sport.
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