The growth of pickleball in the United States has been nothing short of astounding in recent years. According to a report by the Trust for Public Land, the number of outdoor public park pickleball courts in major cities has increased by a staggering 650% over the past seven years. This growth has been fueled by the embrace of the sport by parks and recreation departments, with over 3,000 courts now installed across 100 of the most populated cities in the country.
It’s not just local parks that are jumping on the pickleball bandwagon. Franchises, country clubs, and fitness clubs are also getting in on the action, building and converting space to accommodate the growing demand for pickleball courts. This trend has been described as “off-the-charts growth” by Will Klein, associate director of parks research at Trust for Public Land.
The Impact on Communities
Pickleball has proven to be a sport that appeals to people of all ages and backgrounds, helping to attract a diverse range of individuals to public parks. Cities like Louisville, Kentucky; Madison, Wisconsin; and Honolulu have seen a surge in pickleball court installations, with these cities boasting the most courts per capita. The sport has also led to the creation of businesses like City Pickle in New York City, which operates 14 courts in Central Park’s Wollman Rink and has seen tremendous success in attracting players.
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity, new challenges are emerging. Concerns about oversaturation in suburban markets and the need for strategic planning around court locations are at the forefront of the minds of industry professionals. However, with the announcement of new locations by Pickleball Kingdom and the continued investment by companies like Life Time and Invited Clubs, it’s clear that pickleball is here to stay.
One of the driving forces behind the growth of pickleball has been the business sector. Pickleball Kingdom, the world’s largest indoor pickleball facility, has announced plans for over 25 new locations across the country. Life Time, a prominent athletic country club, has nearly 700 pickleball courts at its 170 U.S. locations and is planning to expand further. Additionally, Invited Clubs, the largest owner and operator of private golf clubs, has seen the value of investing in pickleball, with plans to continue supporting the sport.
The rise of pickleball as America’s fastest-growing sport is a testament to the power of community, recreation, and business innovation. As the sport continues to expand its reach, it is clear that pickleball is more than just a game – it’s a cultural phenomenon that is redefining how we think about leisure, fitness, and social interaction. With continued investment and support, pickleball is poised to become a staple of American recreation for years to come.