A dedicated pickleball facility that is capable of hosting open play, leagues, and tournaments would be a step in the right direction. The groups of "invite only" players and small closed circles have their benefits to ensure you are paired with players of a similar skillset, but runs the risk of holding the overall experience of the community back.
Pickleball is a unique sport that grants people their physical, mental, and emotional needs all in one activity. This is an all inclusive game that allows us to get in some much needed physical fitness and experience our social needs. Frequently you will find retirees competing against a much younger group and the game is still enjoyable and broadens peoples views of acceptable partners to play with. I have only experienced something similar, socially, in Brazilian jiu jitsu and that is still much more exclusive of a sport.
This sport has the ability to expand social circles and create a web-like social structure throughout towns, states, and even countries. The issue of "closed circles" lies in perceived social comfort and lack of outreach opportunities. Keeping a small social circle is human nature, but that doesn't mean we are against it. With the right structure and positive experinces, the small social circles overlap and develop into a blossomed and thriving community.
Public courts are a fantastic place to play, but lack the coordination needed to enhance the mental, physical, and social desires that come with the sport. Pair that with all the noise complaints and it leads to the need of a facility dedicated to the development of the pickleball community as a whole.
NS Nick Saraf
Aug 11, 2023
Can you help build this Solution?
COO @ Volli Entertainment
Nick, great comments! What you describe is exactly what we have created at Volli Entertainment. We just opened our second facility on July 15th in Marysville, WA. Our next 65,000 sq ft indoor facility is opening soon in North Richland Hills, TX. Check us out at www.vollientertainment.com.
Project Superintendent @ Stack + Co.
Fantastic. I would be very interested in hearing how you took it from concept to creation and what some of your lessons learned were. I am always intrigued by the different perspectives on this throughout the country.