SPA members at the Ridgeview pickleball courts are Sandy Lindquist with 3.0 assisted play co-chairs Rich Reiner and Debbie Westwater
Nancy Dowell
The pickleball craze is not going away any time soon. Data shows that, to stay relevant, senior communities new and old are embracing pickleball. Developments that offer pickleball as an amenity have a competitive advantage in attracting buyers. Buyers are demanding pickleball and builders, as well as existing communities, are responding.
According to Senior Housing News, “Pickleball mania makes it a must-have amenity in senior living.” There has been steady year-to-year growth of 12% according to USAPA Pickleball. Addressing trends when planning amenities, in new or existing communities, embraces those buyers who are demanding the sport. Even if a buyer is not a pickleball player, the amenity is considered a value-add to property ownership.
One of the reasons for the trend is that, from a developer’s perspective, the courts are relatively inexpensive to build. They take up less space than a tennis court needing only one tennis court space for four pickleball courts. It is a no-brainer advantage, weighing cost to benefit, and gains that demographic as potential buyers.
There is no doubt that pickleball is enriching the lives of the residents of those communities that include it. The sport combines social and physical benefits and has been shown to alleviate loneliness. The simple rules, small court, low impact, affordability, short games, and camaraderie make pickleball extremely attractive to seniors in particular.
The SaddleBrooke community has shown enormous interest in staying relevant by generously supporting the expansion of the Ridgeview pickleball facility into a beautiful, 14-court complex. SaddleBrooke Pickleball Association is so appreciative of the support of players and all of the community in this endeavor. To become a member of this very active club or to find out more about the upcoming expansion, visit www.SaddlebrookePickleball.com.
See you on the courts!