Pickleball Naples Florida Here's What You Need to Know

Everyone in Naples Florida is obsessed with pickleball these days and it’s all you hear anyone talking about. Want to meet with a friend in the morning? Sorry can’t - pickleball. Trying to schedule a work call for 8 am? Nope again, pickleball takes priority. I’ve had a few clients who ONLY want to move to communities with a lot of pickleball courts. So I thought if we’re all talking about it, why not make a video!
You’ve probably heard that Naples Florida is officially the Pickleball Capital of the world, but what does that even mean? We were named the official pickleball capital because of the popularity of the sport here, but also due to the fact Naples hosts the annual Minto U.S. Open Pickleball Championships which brings over 10,000 people a day to the event. The Naples pickleball center reports that during season 300-400 people play daily.
If I’m being honest, that sounds low but probably just the people at the park leagues. Plus, almost all of the communities now offer some sort of pickleball courts. Many communities in Naples were originally built with tennis courts. Most of these Tennis courts have now been converted to either be fully pickleball or a hybrid, with rollaway nets so you can play both sports. There are even some communities who have residents so obsessed they are building entire complexes to give their residents what they want - MORE pickleball.
Why are people loving it? I interviewed clients who are avid pickleballers and people I know who love to play, and asked them WHY do they love pickleball so much. Here’s are the top 4 reasons that kept coming up...
1. It’s more of a social sport. There are theme nights, group travel, tournaments and opportunities. There are drinks, snacks and Most of the people were new to Naples and their entire social circle is from playing pickleball. As you know, Naples is a place where most people come from different states and don’t know too many of people. Pickleball has given them an opportunity to bond with people, having something in common to discuss the first time they meet. If you’re still working, no problem it’s not only daily times where leagues meet but also for happy hour or evening games. It makes it easy to find a time that works for your schedule.
2. You’re welcome at any level. Whether it’s a game of pick up at the park, joining a league or being apart of your community team, there’s a spot for every ability.
3. It can be a quick game. Those who still are working, can opt to play a quick morning game and get back to the office or their home computers. Sure there are opportunities to play all day or different times, but it’s not like golf which takes half a day or a full day to play.
4. Its easier on the joints than tennis. It keeps you physically fit without the strain of running or pulling a muscle. Its just a fun game that keeps you moving and active without getting hurt.
So where can you play pickleball?
The park with the most courts, is East Naples Community Park. This is where they host the championship tournament I mentioned early. It is the ultimate pickleball hang out with 66 courts, a welcome center, pro shop and plans for continued expansion.
And as I mentioned earlier most private communities offer pickleball courts too.
I actually know of 3 people who have built a pickleball court on their property. In fact, most recently I heard of a lot that sold in a very high end community, because the buyer was tired of not getting to play as much on the courts at the park, they decided to buy an empty lot and build a pickleball court. I’m sure they’re neighbors in their multi million community love hearing the sound of pickleball every day, but that’s another story.
Here are the Top Communities with the MOST pickleball courts
1. Isles of Collier Preserve
2. Treviso Bay
3. Grey Oaks
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Kim Menkhorst
www.lavishluxuryhomesnaples.com/
Lavish Listings Naples with Premiere Plus Realty
239.776.0093
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