SPORTS
COURTING FUN
Pickleball’s simplicity of equipment,
small court, and relatively short
learning curve have made the sport
increasingly popular around the
country and in Port St. Lucie.
Pickleball is all the rage for
the young and not-so young
A 2022 Center Square report projects that in coming
BY ELLEN GILLETTE
years, Port St. Lucie will be in the nation’s Top 10
fastest growing cities. It’s not surprising that the
fastest growing sport in the country is one of the
city’s favorite pastimes: pickleball.
How did pickleball start? During the summer of 1965 on
Bainbridge Island, Washington, three fathers, faced with
bored children, came up with a new game. Using ping-pong
paddles and a wiffleball, they lowered a badminton net and
began experimenting.
There are two stories about the name’s origin — one with
a dog, one involving boats — but there’s no argument that
pickleball is one of the most popular sports in the U.S. and
Canada, with interest growing internationally. Combining
aspects of tennis, badminton and ping pong, pickleball can
be played indoors or outdoors. The equipment is simple.
Anyone can play.
Because the pickleball court is one-fourth the size of a tennis
court, less running is required. It’s also relatively kind to
the hips and knees, making it attractive to older players.
Like any sport, however, safety is a factor. One of the most
important considerations for new players is proper footwear.
Port St. Lucie’s Jamie and Ann Chauss not only play pickleball,
they are the commissioners for Treasure Coast Pickleball >>
20 Port St. Lucie Magazine
KOLTER HOMES