The Surging Popularity of Pickleball in Vero Beach

By Leslie Stone. Posted March 7, 2023

Pickleball, a fast-paced game combining elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong, is quickly becoming one of America’s favorite pastimes. According to the USA Pickleball Association, the number of registered players has increased from just a few thousand in 2005 to 4.8 million in 2022 … and that figure is growing.

Here in Indian River County, there are public and private pickleball courts as well as several pickleball clubs and groups that play regularly. In fact, pickleball has gotten pretty huge around here—it’s even drawn some big-name tournaments to Vero Beach. The Florida State Pickleball Championships and the Vero Beach Pickleball Open have both been hosted here, bringing in some of the best players from across the country. It’s been great for putting our little corner of the world on the map for this sport!

Vero’s Very Own Pickleball University

When the pickleball trend first started catching on here in Vero Beach during the mid-2010s, players found themselves having to haul portable nets around and mark court lines on the pavement by hand with chalk simply because there was no structured public space for playing. After trying out different locations, they eventually settled on downtown’s Pocahontas Park as the best spot to play. The City of Vero Beach took notice as interest in the game grew and gave the group permission to use the facility’s six existing tennis courts. Around that time, Pickleball University (PBU), a nonprofit volunteer-led group that works to promote and expand the sport in Vero Beach and surrounding areas was formed.

“What basically started as a group of 15 or 20 people getting together at the park suddenly grew to 60, 80 and then a couple hundred people,” says Director Bob O’Leary, who serves on the PBU Board. “In the fall of 2015, the City installed an additional six dedicated courts at the park, and then things really took off.”

As membership soared, PBU and the City entered a long-term license agreement that gave the club control over the courts as long as the facility was maintained with club funds, donations from members, and sponsorships. PBU subsequently embarked on a $230,000 refurbishment project for all 12 courts in Pocahontas Park in April 2020, which was completed without taxpayer or government funds. “PBU has come a long way as a mostly volunteer-driven organization, and people may not realize just how much we’ve accomplished as a relatively young organization,” O’Leary notes.

According to O’Leary, PBU’s membership is currently at capacity, forcing the organization to temporarily freeze enrollment. However, with a 10% attrition rate due to retirements and members moving away, new members are being added as space permits.

Hooked From the First Serve

Ask any pickleball player, and they’ll likely tell you the game is highly addictive. Arkansas retiree Bonnie Griffin Jaggars is a prime example. She immediately fell in love with the game eight years ago and says she has yet to meet anyone who tried it and didn’t become equally as obsessed. When she first began playing, she drove up to 40 minutes across Little Rock to find a court—a testament to her passion for the sport.

Since Jaggars first started playing, pickleball has gained popularity in her area, with more towns and communities embracing the sport. “There are now four outdoor courts where I live,” she says, adding that pickleball enthusiasts have been vocal in meetings, pushing for more playing spaces, and now the sport is really taking off. “I try to play as often as possible, typically three to four times a week, with recovery time in between,” she says.

In recent years she has stepped up her game by taking lessons from qualified coaches to improve her skills. “They teach me all the things I’m supposed to be aware of when playing and show me things I’m doing wrong and what I need to improve on,” she says. Her hard work has paid off, qualifying her for the National Senior Games (Senior Olympics) twice! “I played in the Arkansas Senior Olympics last year and qualified for mixed doubles and women’s doubles,” she says. “Then I went to Nationals in Fort Lauderdale. It was such fun to play and be there.” Jaggars and her husband are headed to Pittsburgh in July for the 2023 Nationals where she’ll compete once again in mixed doubles and women’s doubles. “Qualifying for the Senior Olympics has made me feel great,” she says. “The people are friendly and fun to play with; you just don’t meet a dud.”

Jaggars wishes she had discovered pickleball earlier. “If I knew about it 50 years ago, I would be a much better player today,” she muses. “It’s so much fun and easy to learn, especially for those who have played tennis. With shorter courts and rules, it’s a good choice for older people. Younger players obviously have the advantage of speed and reflexes, which makes for an exciting game. But I still enjoy playing with people my age because we’re all in the same ballpark. I’m going to take this where it leads me and do it as long as I can.”

On the Pickleball Trail

PBU Vice President Steven Bull and his wife were looking for a new activity to enjoy together. “She wanted to start playing tennis, but I told her I didn’t think that was a good choice, so she suggested pickleball,” Bull says. “l had a long history with racquet sports and was confident I could figure it out, so we went down to PBU to play.” Ironically, his wife disliked the game and he instantly fell in love with it and is now an avid pickleball player. “I’m out there playing five, six, or even seven days a week,” Bull says. “To be honest, I rarely take a day off.” He loves the fact that pickleball combines many of the racquet sports he’s played in the past, and there’s a bit of everything in it. “I’m a competitive guy,” he adds.

Bull occasionally takes his passion for pickleball on the road, venturing to different parts of the country to compete in tournaments and explore new locations. “Here in Florida, I’ve been to Daytona and Naples [for pickleball], and even as far as California and Colorado,” he says. When he’s back in his home state of Michigan, he keeps the fun going by playing indoors at Lifetime Fitness and outdoors at the Southeastern Michigan Pickleball Association in Royal Oak.

Pickleball Takes Center Court in Home Searches

For many homebuyers, access to pickleball courts is an important factor in their decision to move to a particular community. When looking for a community with good pickleball access, homebuyers should consider factors such as the number and quality of courts available, the level of competition and skill of other players, the availability of instructional and coaching resources, and the social and community aspects of playing pickleball in the area. Another factor to consider is the community’s pickleball scene, such as tournaments and events, along with any fees or memberships required to use the courts. It’s important to research and find out this information before moving to the area.

O’Leary is convinced that pickleball is the ultimate sport for anyone, regardless of their skill level or age. With players ranging from teenagers to those over 55, he’s seen firsthand the joy it brings to all who participate. At Pocahontas Park, there’s a surge of players in the morning and evening, with a midday lull after the heat sets in. “There’s no better way to spend your free time than on the pickleball court!” he says.

4 Advantages of Having Pickleball Close to Home

1. Active Lifestyle:
Many pickleball enthusiasts enjoy the sport as a way to stay active and have fun. If a community has pickleball courts, it can be a major draw for those who want to maintain an active lifestyle.

2. Socializing Opportunities:
Pickleball is often played in a social setting, and the availability of courts in a community can provide opportunities for players to meet new people and form connections.

3. Convenience:
For those who enjoy playing pickleball regularly, having access to courts close to home is a convenient and appealing feature.

4. Community Amenities:
Pickleball courts are often considered a desirable community amenity, and their availability can add value to a neighborhood and attract potential buyers who appreciate a community that offers a range of recreational activities.