Pickleball: The Next Big Dill in Lafayette
By Melina Galacatos and Audrey Parkin, Online Editors
Blueprint photo/Cameron Powell
Like the wide selection and variety of pickle flavors, almost anyone can enjoyably partake in the accessible sport that is pickleball. Leaving behind the challenges of a large tennis court and bouncy tennis balls while magnifying the competition, size, and thrill of table tennis, pickleball is seen by many as an effective cross between the two sports.
Blueprint photo/Cameron Powell
This recent increase in pickleball’s popularity causes local citizens to flock to nearby pickleball courts. The accessibility of the sport means the Lafayette Community Center’s Sports Courts are getting more use than ever.
“[Many people] say it is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. […] Pickleball has become so popular with so many players because pickleball skills are much easier to learn quickly. At least at a social level, if you can play ping pong you can play pickleball,” tennis and pickleball player Linda Parkin said.
According to the Association of Pickleball Players, the rate of people who play pickleball has increased by 35% since 2022, with a particular growth in people aged 18-44. The increase in interest and age range of players illustrates the quickly growing popularity of the sport.
“Even though the sport first became popular with seniors, it has gotten very competitive and the younger generation is embracing it. You can even find pickleball courts on college campuses now,” Parkin said.
Blueprint photo/Cameron Powell
The Lafayette Community Center–which has historically been a hub for community bonding, holiday events and organized recreation–is a prime example of pickleball’s rise in popularity. After many members of the Lafayette community expressed excitement for the sport, pickleball courts were made available for use at the center in 2018 when the multi-sports rink was reconstructed.
“We reached out to tennis court surfacing companies, got quotes, and worked with the Parks, Trails & Recreation Commission, Senior Services Commission and City Council to approve the change of surface and designed the court with lines for hockey, lacrosse, basketball and pickleball,” Parks, Trails & Recreation Director Jonathan Katayanagi said.
Pickleball has been available and gaining popularity at the community center for the past six years, and staff are eager to continue growing the program.
“My hope is to keep pickleball as accessible as possible. [However,] the City is currently experiencing a structural deficit impacting the General Fund caused by inflation, rising insurance costs, unfunded mandates and infrastructure needs such as roads and aging facilities,” Katayanagi said.
Blueprint photo/Cameron Powell
In addition to support from residents and the city, the Sports Court’s accessibility is partly due to the efforts of the Senior Services Commision at the Lafayette Community Center. The commision aims to make Lafayette public spaces enjoyable for all ages. Their Age Friendly Community Initiative means the pickleball courts and lessons are open to people of all ages.
“Older adults are the primary user group but we have players of all ages and the youth camps and classes fill fast,” Katayanagi said.
Pickleball has proved to be a valuable activity for generations of Lafayette residents.
“My hope is that we can find a solution to the structural deficit and work with the residents to find ways to maintain the current recreation facilities,” Katayanagi said.
