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When discussed internally with the staff, videos were needed to demonstrate the game because staff had little knowledge about the game or knew what we were about to embark on over the next five years. With a dream of trying something new, the department was able to tape one tennis court into four convertible pickleball courts. The department received mixed feedback from tennis and pickle players throughout the pilot stage, but the community was willing to accept change and give the new sport a chance.

To the surprise of many, one short year later that tennis court would be converted into four permanent pickleball courts and host a Pickleball Tournament. The Association of Pickleball Professionals Tournament, referred to as APP, presented an opportunity for hundreds of pickleball players, from amateur to professional, to compete in the City of El Segundo.

Connie Thrasher, USA Pickleball El Segundo Ambassador and West Region Assistant Regional Director, desired to enhance the sport of pickleball in the City of El Segundo. With her knowledge of the sport, she was able to partner with the Department. Connie began to grow the Pickleball program through leagues, classes, and clinics. She shared ideas and her vision for the sport. Her passion was an integral part of the program’s growth. The Department worked closely with her to engage the community with pickleball programs and increase awareness of the fastest growing sport in America. When the program started there were only six teams in the inaugural league. Within a few months, the number of players grew to over 400 people competing in weekly leagues with over 40 teams. The COVID shutdown in March 2020 cast uncertainty for many recreation programs; however, pickleball was one of the few activities that remained intact. The Department used this opportunity to help City staff continue to provide a safe activity for the community.

The City of El Segundo became the only beach city with permanent courts in the surrounding area. Increasing demand for court availability prompted discussions for adding more courts and expanding the program. Discussions about a professional tournament began to take place in 2019. Unfortunately, COVID-19 would delay the possibility of a tournament and the green light to move forward with the event would now be approved for the Summer of 2022. After many meetings with Councilmembers, presentations at City Council meetings, the City of El Segundo was able to secure a spot as host for a national APP tournament with CEO and APP founder, Ken Herrmann. Embracing the concept of “El

Segundo Where Big Ideas Take Off,” the City Council felt that exposure to the sport would be appreciated by the community and unanimously supported the proposal.

Six tennis courts, two volleyball courts, and one paddle tennis court were professionally converted into pickleball courts to make a grand total of twenty-one courts in the tournament. Two tennis courts were selected to be resurfaced into pickleball courts and used for spectators and live-stream viewing. The other courts were taped and affixed with temporary nets that allowed a quick set up and clean up. Over one hundred volunteers helped the APP staff assemble the necessary materials and operate the four-day tournament.

More than four hundred and fifty pros and amateurs from across the nation participated in twenty events that included divisions based on age and skill. The prize money totaled $40,000 which enticed high-level players to this inaugural event. The El Segundo pickleball community was enthralled as they got to witness live professional matches, purchase sponsored equipment from vendors, and work with the APP organization. Ten amateur medalists reside in the City of El Segundo and were ecstatic to play in this nationally recognized competition. The tournament brought in approximately 3,000 spectators over the four-day tournament. Recreation, Parks and Library Director, Aly Mancini, shared “Seeing so many people from around the country come to El Segundo to enjoy this tournament was a great boost for our local businesses and a neat way for people to get to know our very special community.”

This tournament further highlighted the need for more permanent pickleball courts at the El Segundo Recreation Park. Recreation Park was able to accommodate twenty-one courts but fifteen were converted with tape and temporary nets. The standard court for a national tournament would have more seating for spectators and a larger out-of-bounds space for players to move around. The costs for taping and labor were reduced along with the time for set up and clean up. The time- line from the proposal to the start of the event was brief; thus, the construction for more permanent courts was not possible. Moving forward, City of El Segundo would need to go through the process of getting contracts and approval for more courts to host a larger scale event.

The pickleball excitement created a buzz in the community as flyers and social media posts were sent out in May. Businesses prepared to host an influx of visitors and represent the City of El Segundo. Restaurants, hotels, bars, and local businesses benefited from the flow of people who were looking to experience everything the small town had to offer. By hosting this tournament, the name and image of El Segundo was brought to new heights. Pickleball players from the surrounding cities gave APP recognition to Recreation Park and have been inspired to visit more often. The center court matches were live streamed on YouTube and added to the level of professionalism. Viewership on all social media platforms hit over 200,000 views and elevated the awareness of pickleball and the City of El Segundo.

Pickleball is a multi-generational sport that is family-orientated, easy to learn, and fun to play. The number of pickleball players in America has grown from 1.9 million in 2018 to 4.8 million in 2022 and the sport has been petitioned to be included in the 2028 Olympic Games. The plans for pickleball in El Segundo are taking off and leading to exciting new opportunities.

After hosting the tournament, the city’s Pickleball program has grown even more. The priceless opportunity that the department was able to provide to the community is one that many of us will not forget.

The APP Tour coming to the City of El Segundo brought a wide range of spectators in many different age groups. The future is bright with so many already thriving classes, leagues and tournaments in place, as well as many new ideas to further expand the program here in El Segundo. As we expand, we will begin to program for the youth by creating many seasonal classes and youth tournaments along with professional instruction for the young people. The City of El Segundo Recreation Department will work closely with the El Segundo Unified School District to develop programming in the future. With our vision of programming for the youth we will continue to see a larger demand for more courts in the City of El Segundo.

Overall, this co-hosted event was a win-win partnership for the City of El Segundo and the APP. Residents were able to watch some great matches and APP was able to host a National Pickleball Tournament in the coastal City of El Segundo. The City considers the event a great success and looks forward to a long partnership with Ken Hermann and the Association of Pickleball Professionals by becoming a permanent spot on the APP Tournament Tour every year.