Gary Pelphrey
According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball continues to experience significant national growth, increasing 479% from 2020 to 2025. Participation has expanded faster than any major recreational sport in America, with additional investment interest highlighted by recent reports of a $225 million investment in pickleball-related ventures by Apollo Sports Capital, as reported by CNBC.
As a result, many active adult communities are placing increased emphasis on offering high-quality pickleball facilities and participation opportunities, much as golf amenities have historically been viewed as an important attraction for prospective homebuyers.
Here is a current estimate from industry participation reports and governing bodies regarding participation among Americans age 55+:
Pickleball: 6 to 7%: Rapid growth trend
Golf: 9 to 11%: Stable to moderate growth trend
Tennis: 3 to 4%: Moderate growth
Based on an estimated 100 million Americans age 55 plus.
Based on an estimated SaddleBrooke population of approximately 12,000 residents, the SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association (SPA) membership of approximately 800 members represents about 6.7% of the community population, generally consistent with national participation estimates.
As many residents are aware, in December, 2025 the SaddleBrooke TWO board voted to notify the SaddleBrooke One board that the current Reciprocal Use Agreement (RUA), scheduled to expire in September, 2029 would not be renewed in its current form. According to SaddleBrooke TWO communications, the board’s position is that SaddleBrooke One residents pay lower assessments while also utilizing a number of SaddleBrooke TWO amenities, including pickleball facilities, under the existing arrangement. The SaddleBrooke TWO Board has established a December 31, 2026 deadline for reaching agreement on revised RUA terms.
The SPA board has expressed a willingness to continue investing member dues in improvements to the existing pickleball facility, which is owned by SaddleBrooke TWO and officially designated as an SaddleBrooke TWO amenity. SPA leadership has stated that by maximizing utilization of the existing 14 courts, SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association can well serve both SaddleBrooke One and SaddleBrook TWO residents for the foreseeable future. The SPA board has also indicated that they believe it prudent to defer any major additional investment of member dues until there is clarity regarding the outcome of the RUA negotiations.
Membership in the SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association has historically been open to both SaddleBrooke One and SaddleBrooke TWO residents. SPA leadership has stated that it hopes residents from both communities will continue to participate in the organization moving forward.
The future structure of pickleball access within SaddleBrooke will likely depend in part on the outcome of the negotiations between the two HOA boards. At this stage, the final outcome of those discussions remains uncertain.
The SaddleBrooke TWO Board has met with local realtors and conducted informational meetings with residents—inviting comments and feedback regarding the RUA negotiations. Residents may wish to stay informed and participate in community discussions regarding this issue, which may have broader implications for shared amenities and cooperation between the two communities.
Many residents would likely agree that a sustainable and mutually beneficial RUA would serve the long-term interests of both SaddleBrooke One and SaddleBrooke TWO residents while helping preserve community amenities and property values into the future.