Pickleball growing in popularity in Lake County : The meteoric rise of pickleball, a sport with roots tracing back years, has surged to become the fastest-growing pastime in the United States, with Lake County serving as a prime example of its widespread popularity.
Pickleball growing in popularity in Lake County
Pickleball courts have sprouted across various locations in Lake County, including Donnelly Park and Summerview Park in Mount Dora, Pine Meadows Conservation Area in Eustis, P.E.A.R. Park and the Leesburg Recreation Complex in Leesburg, and Golden Triangle YMCA in Tavares, among others.
For Pete Patterson and his wife Joanne, their journey with pickleball began 18 years ago, sparked by a desire for a change from golf, a longtime favorite among Florida retirees.
Pete, now an ambassador for the United States Pickleball Association in Lake County, shared his transition from golf to pickleball, expressing how the latter quickly became a passion, enriching his life in unexpected ways.
Brandon Mackie, a lifelong tennis player from Scottsdale, Arizona, discovered pickleball during the pandemic, igniting his enthusiasm for the sport.
Faced with challenges in finding fellow players and available courts, Mackie founded Pickleheads, a platform connecting pickleball enthusiasts, now boasting over 150,000 users.
Mackie attributes pickleball’s popularity to its accessibility and social nature. The sport’s simplicity allows beginners to quickly grasp its fundamentals, fostering a sense of accomplishment from the start.
Moreover, pickleball’s predominantly doubles format encourages social interaction, with players rotating partners and forging connections both on and off the court.
Echoing Mackie’s sentiments, Patterson emphasizes the community aspect of pickleball, highlighting the friendships and camaraderie cultivated among players.
| Topic | Details |
|---|---|
| Pickleball’s Popularity | – Fastest growing sport in the United States – Pickleball courts in Lake County: – Donnelly Park – Summerview Park – Pine Meadows Conservation Area – P.E.A.R. Park – Leesburg Recreation Complex – Golden Triangle YMCA |
| Journey into Pickleball | – Pete and Joanne Patterson switched from golf to pickleball 18 years ago – Brandon Mackie discovered pickleball during the pandemic |
| Pickleheads Platform | – Created by Brandon Mackie – Connects pickleball players, now with over 150,000 users |
| Reasons for Popularity | – Easy to learn – Social nature of the sport |
| Community Aspect | – Pickleball fosters friendships and social connections – Pete Patterson teaches and organizes events at P.E.A.R. Park Pickleball |
| Therapeutic Benefits | – Pickleball improves balance and coordination – Pete Patterson works with Special Olympics athletes and individuals with Parkinson’s disease |
| National Pickleball Month | – Celebrates pickleball’s growth and community spirit – USA Pickleball’s themed weeks throughout April: – This week: Member appreciation – Next week: “What’s Next/Looking Ahead” |
Patterson’s involvement extends to teaching and organizing events at P.E.A.R. Park Pickleball, which has flourished into a vibrant hub with nearly 600 members.
In addition to recreational benefits, pickleball holds therapeutic potential, with Patterson working with Special Olympics athletes and individuals with Parkinson’s disease, leveraging the sport’s ability to improve balance and coordination.
As pickleball gains momentum nationwide, initiatives like National Pickleball Month celebrate its growth and community spirit.
USA Pickleball’s themed weeks throughout April reflect on the sport’s achievements and look towards future opportunities for engagement and appreciation.
Also read : How To Hold A Pickleball Paddle
