Pickleball in Cape Coral & SWFL

According to a Sports & Fitness Industry Association Topline Report, pickleball participation almost doubled in 2022, increasing by 85.7 percent year-over-year and by an astonishing 158.6 percent over three years.?

The increase in popularity has been felt here in Cape Coral, especially with the city’s “Go Bond Project”, which is geared toward expanding the city’s park and recreational facilities. One of the new developments, “Lake Kennedy Racquet Center”, will soon be home to 16 brand new pickleball courts! Other new parks and improvements will also include pickleball courts. Lovers of the game boast that it is a fun, social sport, shared by individuals and families of all ages.?

What is Pickleball?

Interestingly enough, the sport was invented in 1965 on Bainbridge Island by three dads with some bored children. With gaining popularity, the sport has evolved with more elaborate rules and professional equipment, unlike the handmade equipment these dads came up with!

The sport is described as a mix between tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is played on a badminton-sized court with modified tennis net and can be enjoyed outdoors or indoors. Equipment includes a paddle and plastic ball with holes, and it can be played as doubles or singles.

Where Can I Play Pickleball in Cape Coral?

Below is a list of Cape Coral parks with pickleball courts:

• Camelot Park?
• Gator Trails Park
• Giuffrida Park?
• Jim Jeffers Park ?
• Joe Stonis Park
• Lake Kennedy Community Park - Scheduled to open in 2024
• Lake Meade Park - Scheduled to open in late 2023/early 2024?
• Sands Park - Scheduled to open in early 2023
• Four Freedoms Park - offers indoor courts, $5 per person for 2 hours. Call ahead to reserve: 239-574-0804

If you are interested in picking up a game of pickleball in Cape Coral, check out this Facebook group!:

https://www.facebook.com/groups/608297933185771/

Pickleball is Booming Across SWFL

Naples Pickleball Center

• Naples Pickleball Center is also known as the Pickleball Capital of the World, due to being the single largest dedicated pickleball facility in one location.
• Total of 80 Courts (66 at East Naples and 14 at Veteran's Park)
• Home of the Minto US OPEN Pickleball Championships

PicklePlex in Charlotte County

• PicklePlex? is a privately-supported (funded) 501(C)(3) non-profit corporation with 16 Pickleball courts and over 600 members
• Free play is available to the public from noon to 10pm on Saturday and Sunday unless there is a scheduled event.

The Pickleball Club planning indoor facility in Fort Myers

• Company plans to develop at least 15 private, indoor pickleball clubs throughout Florida.
• Fort Myers location will be completed 2024.
• A Bonita Springs location is also on the list.

Janelle Fricano, Realtor

CapeCoralLots.com

239-284-9497

[email protected]