July 2025

PICKLEBALL... from page 35.

Integration of Technology: Tracking systems and perfor mance analytics are being integrated into pickleball equip ment and facilities to improve game play. Adult Communities: Pickleball is so popular that develop ers are factoring in the cost of pickleball courts for new con struction. Established communities like Regency at Monroe, in Monroe Township, New Jersey, don’t have that luxury. Regency’s journey from a tennis-centric to a pickleball-cen tric community began in 2002 when the development first opened with two tennis courts. Those courts were eventual ly converted to three pickleball courts after a six-court tennis complex was built in 2013. As pickleball gained traction, attempts to expand the number of courts or re-line one of the new, but underuti lized tennis courts, was met with pushback. The tennis club objected, and all expansion requests went nowhere. There was also resistance from residents who were concerned about the noise, claimed they would never play, or did not want their HOA fees spent that way. All that changed in 2020. The pandemic was the first catalyst. COVID-19 got people out of their homes for fresh air and exercise. This was the moment pickleball took off. The second was the formation of a large, vocal pickleball club in 2022. These two events made the demand for new courts so undeniable that the HOA could no longer ignore it. In 2023, the board approved the construction of six courts. With the money coming from Regency’s reserve fund no assessment was needed. The big moment came in June 2024 when Regency opened the new facility. Emerging Trends • An evolving paddle market. Technological advances in paddle design and manufacturing have changed equip ment quality and performance. 21st century paddles use carbon fiber, graphite, and polymer cores to enhance paddle power, control, and durability. The US pickleball paddle market “Is expected to reach a value of $368.6 million by 2034 from a base value of $184.4 in 2025.” 4 • Noise reduction. Equipment manufacturers are introduc ing products that can lower paddle-generated noise to acceptable levels using:

- Quiet paddles engineered to reduce noise - Softer court surfaces - Fencing, windscreens, and acoustic barriers

• Going professional. The rise of major league pickleball has elevated the sport to a new level. The acquisition of sponsors, increased media coverage, emergence of star players, and better prize money are building awareness that’s driving equipment, apparel, and ticket sales. • The emergence of luxury experiences. “Growing de mand for premium pickleball experiences is giving rise to luxury facilities equipped with top-tier amenities.” 5 Upscale venues are opening across the US and offer 6 : - Resort-style amenities: High-end locker rooms, spa services, and gourmet dining options. - Social memberships: Exclusive club access with pri vate lessons, and members-only tournaments. - Boutique pickleball studios: offer high-end, curated playing experiences. The Future Looks Healthy While it appeals to all groups, pickleball remains close ly aligned with the aging of America. Baby boomers will continue to come off the couch and onto the court to play the game they love. They will frequent their local courts, spend money on equipment, look for unique venues, and take pickleball des tination vacations. They will do all this willingly to achieve good health, improve personal fitness, and increase social engagement. n END NOTES: 1. Mackie, Brandon, Pickleball Statistics – The Numbers Behind America’s Fastest Growing Sport, pickleheads.com, sourced from the 2025 Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) Participation Report, February 9, 2025. 2. Mengert, Paul, CEO, Association Management Group, Pickleball Court Costs and HOA Considerations: What Association Leaders Need to Know , amgworld.com, March 5, 2025. 3. Schmidt, Tara, M.Ed., RDN, L.D., Play on, Picklers! The Health Benefits of Pickleball, Mayo Clinic, August 23, 2024. Quote from Dr. Edward Laskowski, Mayo Clinic. 4. The U.S. Pickleball Paddle Market, dimensionalmarketresearch.com, April 2025. 5. The Future of Pickleball: Top Trends Shaping 2025 and Beyond, Center Court Pickleball Club, February 2, 2025. 6. Ibid. 5.

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JULY 2025