Promoting the Power of Pickleball by Greg Hunteman
Timber Pines Community Association, Spring Hill, Florida
The popularity of pickleball is estimated to have grown nearly 40% between 2019 and 2021. More than 36.5 million people played the sport between August 2021 and 2022.
It’s clear that pickleball is here to stay and I have to admit I’ve joined the revolution. It’s a great way to get exercise and have fun!
A growing number of communities are putting in pickleball courts or repurposing other spaces for the sport. Here are some elements to consider if you want to offer the best possible pickleball facilities for your residents without breaking the bank:
· Have the court(s) in a central location, with adjacent space where people can hang out and watch. Some communities are putting in bleachers, but other seating – such as lounge chairs or patio tables/chairs – can also be useful. Consider having courts adjacent to amenities such as bathrooms, a pavilion, a bar, and the swimming pool. This creates an energetic, lively, social space that engages residents and is appealing to prospects and visiting families.
· Prioritize appropriate physical logistics of the court. The court should be properly sloped and positioned to maximize drainage and wind blockage. Rust-resistant materials for netting are important, although you might want to consider mobile nets that you can remove them in inclement weather.
· Locate courts to minimize the impact of sound from playing. You may want to consider some screening, fencing, or other elements to muffle sound beyond the court.
· Indoor courts are a possibility. I have seen communities put a pickleball court inside in a multipurpose room. This has advantages, such as residents can enjoy the sport year-round, regardless of the weather. However, there are some caveats. Noise can be a huge issue, so the room needs to be soundproof to some degree. Flooring needs to be able to withstand activity while preventing vibrations that can be felt in adjacent spaces on upper floors. We are starting to see rooftop courts, which is very exciting. These are great, but it is important to have fencing or screening cut down on wind, and the flooring of the court must prevent noise from vibrating through the structure.
· Be cautious about sun exposure. Have shade either on the court or in an adjacent space.
· And most of all make it fun for the beginner or the expert players!
While pickleball can increase resident engagement and attract new people to your community, the sport is not without its risks. A recent research study showed an increase in pickleball-related injuries in recent years. Although part of this increase is likely related to the fact that more people are playing pickleball, it behooves communities to encourage residents and others to play the sport safely. Consider lunch and learns about pickleball safety or the importance of stretching or warming up before play. Put up posters or send out flyers to urge residents to see their physician before they start an exercise regimen. Pop-up stores with rackets and shoes, where fitness experts can help residents choose the best equipment for them, also can be helpful.
Ultimately, pickleball is a great way to engage residents and bring in a younger resident mix, as well as involve families and even staff in intergenerational activities. It enables residents to connect with others in a healthy and positive way, and it helps make your community feel alive. I have to admit that I’ve become a pickleball convert; and I’ve gotten my father, who is in his 70s, interested in the sport as well. It’s been great to have a sport we can play together. It’s also something interactive he can do with his friends. It gives him a chance to laugh and engage with people. Providing great pickleball facilities for your residents is definitely a win-win proposition.
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