As dusk settles over Gilbert Regional Park, the hum of excitement isn't from floodlit basketball courts but from a sport whose growth has echoed throughout the country: Pickleball. With paddles at the ready and courts packed, this once-obscure game is now a major player in community activity and connection in Arizona.
Professional and recreational leagues for Pickleball, a sport that is played on scaled-down tennis courts, have sprouted nationwide. According to the Association of Pickleball Players, a whopping 48.3 percent of Americans had played at least one game of Pickleball, as of March 2023. Rising to the occasion, Gilbert Regional Park showcases 16 courts that are bustling both day and night - with renovations completed amidst the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic in July 2020, as reported by Phoenix New Times.
Joe Alongi, the Gilbert Recreation director, noticed the surge and told Phoenix New Times, "I would say that from my observations, it’s definitely the highest traffic we see for the courts at [Gilbert] Regional." It isn't just about hitting a ball over a net; it's also the sense of unity that keeps people coming back. Players, like Dan Shin who takes to the courts daily, recognize the personal connections within the community. "I mean, I literally know, probably, in the mornings, especially every single person on the court," Shin revealed.
It’s not only individuals chasing the pickleball dragon here; the sport has fostered a real sense of community. In a heartwarming fetch, morning players came together to support a member undergoing surgery and even pooled resources for a beloved player's funeral, highlighting the sport’s camaraderie beyond competition, according to Cronkite News.
Pickleball's inclusiveness is also a significant draw. Gilbert Regional's open-arm policy invites people of all skill levels to join in. The accessibility means anyone can come show up ready to learn – gender, age, and skill level are inconsequential. It "just made a lot of sense," said Alongi, citing the park's effort to build an inclusive and all-encompassing environment. Unlike basketball, Pickleball offers a level playing field where newbies can vie against octogenarians or experienced players, focusing on personal skill development, according to Cronkite News.
