Pickleball! The Ultra-Popular Sport is Also the Hottest Multifamily Amenity

colorful action image of two couples playing pickleball in a mixed doubles match

You’ve probably seen people of all descriptions playing pickleball - a super-adaptable hybrid that uses oversized ping-pong paddles to lob a hollow, perforated plastic ball back and forth over a tennis net. The game is accessible to players of varying levels of athleticism and skill, is easy to learn and play, and can be played indoors or outside on different sizes of courts, depending on available space.  

And according to a recent Snap survey by the Community Associations Institute (CAI)’s Foundation for Community Association Research, pickleball is the hot amenity across regions, communities, and demographics. According to the group, “Over the past decade, pickleball has skyrocketed in popularity, captivating the hearts of players young and old across the globe. This engaging sport, which combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, offers a perfect blend of athleticism and social interaction.” 

Out of nearly 700 responses from 41 states representing at least 10,000 community associations, CAI reports that 31% of respondents have dedicated pickleball courts in their community associations, and another 37% use existing tennis courts for pickleball. Seventy-six percent of respondents shared that their pickleball courts are in ‘moderate’ or ‘high’ demand. 

If your board is thinking about updating, enhancing, or switching up recreational amenities, making space for pickleball looks like a sure shot. 

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Comments

  • Please do not publicize pickleball, especially in urban areas like Manhattan where the parks are located under residential windows. The noise has been driving all of our neighbors crazy. The players are fanatics who sneak into the parks way before 7 a.m. and continue playing until after dark. The noise of the paddles hitting the plastic ball is repetitive and much like squeaky chalk on a chalkboard. Plus no one else can gain access to the park like the children who need to use it. The players are arrogant and rude. The parks department should either/or indoor rinks and endorse padded paddles, please.