Pickleball Playgrounds: Northshore's Thriving Court Scene

Pickleball Playgrounds

Northshore's Thriving Court Scene

By: Poki Hampton

In the 1960s, three dads from Washington state devised the game using a ping pong paddle, a badminton net, and a wiffle ball to entertain their children on vacation. The name "pickleball" emerged when one of the founders' dogs, Pickles, chased after the ball and ran away with it.

For nearly six decades, pickleball was a niche sport primarily played in the northwestern United States. About eight years ago, however, its popularity skyrocketed. Pickleball has seen a growth of over 223% in the past four years alone, with efforts underway to establish it as a robust professional sport. Even former New Orleans Saint Drew Brees has caught the pickleball bug, investing in and franchising pickleball facilities nationwide.

"We had no idea how popular pickleball courts would be as an amenity at Splash!" says Gary Blossman, native of Covington and managing partner of Splash RV Resort in the NW Florida panhandle. "We have a coach who does workshops for beginners and a very active open-play schedule. On Fridays we offer tournament play, and there were 16 teams on the court this morning!" Splash RV Resort is a family destination that features a large waterpark with swimming pools, splash pad and a lazy river but needed something for parents and grandparents to stay active while on vacation. Pickleball turned out to be just what they were looking for.

Pickleball is easy to learn and appeals to all age groups. It's less physically demanding than tennis, making it accessible for many. The game can be set up on nearly any hard surface, contributing to its popularity as a safe outdoor activity during the pandemic. Communities nationwide, including those on the Northshore, are responding to the demand by building courts or adapting existing tennis and basketball courts.

“At Franco's, we've added pickleball to our court facilities not only because of its rising popularity but because it perfectly aligns with our mission of "creating a culture of fitness for all generations,” says Sandy Franco of Franco’s Health Club & Spa. “We love the idea that pickleball is multi-generational and ensures that everyone, from young children to seniors, can participate. Pickleball is ideal for families, allowing grandparents to play with grandchildren and creating fun, inclusive experiences. We were thrilled to find that one of thefastest-growing and most enthusiastic groups of players are aged 12- 18. This sport is easy to learn and doesn’t require expensive equipment, making it accessible and enjoyable for everyone. Recognizing that pickleball is a fantastic way to develop coordination, balance, and agility, we've also incorporated free pickleball into our summer camp activities. This ensures that even our youngest members can enjoy and benefit from this engaging sport.”

Pickleball is a sport for all generations, promoting physical fitness and mental agility while enhancing agility, balance, and eye-hand coordination. Burning calories and enjoying laughter are just two of the benefits of playing pickleball.

PICKLEBALL FACILITIES ON THE NORTHSHORE

Beau Chene Country Club:

Offers two indoor and four outdoor courts, with plans for expansion. Coach Brad Lazaro provides clinics, private lessons, and seasonal league play. The club features a player’s lounge, pro shop, and hosts social tournaments and private parties. Court reservations via Beau Chene app or call the tennis desk at 985-845-3504.

Category 5:

Northshore’s only fully indoor facility, owned by Sarah Sullivan, Andrea MacGrath, and Coach Jeff Bourne. Lessons are offered for all age groups. Features four indoor courts, Swing Vision analytics, and a pro shop. Memberships available at Cat5pickleball.com or call 985-778-0137.

Christwood Retirement Community:

The Community Center at Christwood offers two new indoor courts with memberships available for those over 55. Non-residents are welcome to join. Coaching, including beginner and private lessons, available. For details, call 985-292-1234.

Cross Gates Family Fitness:

Located in Slidell, Coach Becky Maillet offers lessons, ladder leagues, clinics, and social events on eight outdoor and four indoor courts. Socials such as Pickle and Chicken are held throughout the year. Private parties available. For information, call 985-643-3500.

Franco’s Athletic Club:

Since November 2023, certified pickleball coach Robert Herrera at Franco’s has offered lessons, open play, clinics, and club and league tournaments on six dedicated outdoor courts. Junior program starting this fall. Reserve courts and arrange lessons via Franco’s app or call the pickleball desk at 985-792-0260.

Money Hill Golf and Country Club:

Longest-running pickleball program on the Northshore with Coach Wade Partridge. Welcomes beginner to advanced players on twelve outdoor, fenced courts. Money Hill’s program has grown to 80 players and offers lessons, clinics and has an annual high quality tournament. Contact wade@moneyhill. com for more information.

North Cypress Fitness Center:

Open to non-members and members, offering lessons, clinics, and tournament play on four outdoor courts in Hammond. A robust, rapidly growing program led by Coach Jenn Enault. Call 985-373-8223 for more details.

Paddles Up Pickleball:

Mandeville facility led by Coach Jenn Enault with group clinics, private lessons, and junior programs on four courts. Offers monthly memberships, unlimited clinics, video assessment, and coaching at tournaments. Contact 985-373-8223 for details.

Pelican Park:

Eight outdoor lighted courts with four more under construction. Free outdoor play from 7am to 9pm, except during events. Parties and tournaments scheduled throughout the year. For details, call 985-626-7997.

Stone Creek Club and Spa:

Covington venue led by Coach Brett Swartz has pickleball clinics which run continually, in four week sessions, on seven outdoor courts. Hosts ongoing pickleball clinics and open play sessions. Lessons available for beginners, juniors, and advanced players. Annual tournament scheduled in April. Call 985-801-7100 for more information.

Tchefuncte Country Club:

Activities director Devor Dekaris and coach Shane Tyree offer beginner and intermediate lessons, league play, and monthly social mixers on two outdoor courts for members and non-members. Private parties and outdoor lounge available. Contact 985-892-0925 for details.