Pickleball's rising popularity sparks demand for more courts in Raleigh
The six pickleball courts at Method Community Park are typically full between sunup and sundown.
“I took an intro course just to learn the rules and made it out to one of these open-play sessions, and been hooked,” pickleball player Leiana Lane said. “It is very addictive.”
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the country, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton, ping-pong, racquetball and volleyball.
Players hit a perforated, hollow plastic ball with paddles over a 34-inch-high net until one side is unable to return the ball or commits an infraction.
A common problem is there aren’t enough pickleball courts for the people who want to play.
Lane said she’s played pickleball for six weeks. She said it doesn’t matter your age.
“I was playing pickleball with a 10-year-old,” Lane said. “He was crushing us.”
Pickleball player David Dillon said he’s played for two years. He said he’s found a community among fellow players.
“Competition is fun but I think one of the best parts is coming here and meeting new people,” Dillon said. “Everyone is really friendly. Everyone really wants to get to know you.”
Lane said she’s met people learning to play, but she’s also had to wait her turn to play.
The city has outdoor public pickleball courts at Method Community Park (six total courts) at 514 Method Road. North Hills Park at 100 Chowan Circle also has six dedicated pickleball courts.
The city hasn’t said whether there are plans to add more public courts.
“There’s definitely a need for courts,” Dillon said. “There’s a lot of people who want to play.”
A new indoor facility operated by the company Pickles and Play opened earlier this year in Wake Forest.
