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Pickleball: The Fastest-Growing Sport in Western North Carolina
Pickleball, a sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has exploded in popularity across the United States in recent years. Western North Carolina (WNC) is no exception, with communities across the region embracing the game.
Whether in Asheville, Hendersonville, or Boone, pickleball courts are popping up everywhere as more people discover the sport’s accessibility and social benefits.
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a small court (about one-third the size of a tennis court) with a perforated plastic ball and paddles that resemble oversized ping-pong paddles. The game can be played in singles or doubles format, and the objective is to score points by hitting the ball over a net in a way that makes it difficult for the opponent to return.
One of the reasons for pickleball’s popularity is its ease of learning. Unlike tennis, which requires more skill and physical endurance, pickleball is accessible to people of all ages and skill levels. The underhand serve and slower ball speed make it particularly appealing to older adults, while younger players enjoy its fast-paced, strategic nature.
The Rise in Popularity Nationwide
Pickleball has been around since 1965, but its growth in the past decade has been nothing short of phenomenal. According to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA), pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in the U.S. for three consecutive years, with participation increasing by over 158% from 2020 to 2023. Celebrities, athletes, and even professional leagues have fueled the boom, leading to a surge in the construction of dedicated pickleball facilities.
Why is Pickleball So Popular in WNC?
Accessibility: With courts in public parks, community centers, and private clubs, it’s easy to find a place to play.
Social Connection: Many WNC residents, especially retirees, appreciate the social nature of the sport.
Low Cost: Unlike golf or tennis, pickleball requires minimal equipment, making it an affordable option for many.
Health Benefits: Pickleball provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while being low-impact on joints.
Mild Climate: Western North Carolina’s temperate weather allows for year-round play.
Social Connection: Many WNC residents, especially retirees, appreciate the social nature of the sport.
Low Cost: Unlike golf or tennis, pickleball requires minimal equipment, making it an affordable option for many.
Health Benefits: Pickleball provides an excellent cardiovascular workout while being low-impact on joints.
Mild Climate: Western North Carolina’s temperate weather allows for year-round play.
Pickleball’s Popularity Across All of WNC Counties
Pickleball has taken Western North Carolina (WNC) by storm, with communities across the region embracing the sport. Whether you're in a larger city like Asheville or a smaller town in one of WNC’s more rural counties, chances are there’s a growing pickleball scene near you.
1. Buncombe County (Asheville)
Hotspots: Carrier Park, Murphy-Oakley Park, Asheville Racquet Club
Community: Asheville has one of the most active pickleball communities in WNC, with dedicated courts and regular tournaments.
2. Henderson County (Hendersonville)
Hotspots: Patton Park, Jackson Park
Community: The Henderson County Pickleball Club is one of the most organized in the region, hosting leagues and tournaments.
3. Macon County (Franklin, Highlands)
Hotspots: Franklin Recreation Park, Highlands Recreation Center
Community: Pickleball is growing quickly in Macon County, with active clubs forming in both Franklin and Highlands. The Highlands Rec Center recently added new pickleball courts.
4. Madison County (Marshall, Mars Hill, Hot Springs)
Hotspots: Mars Hill University, Madison County Recreation Park
Community: Madison County is seeing increasing interest, with more local players advocating for dedicated pickleball facilities.
5. Watauga County (Boone, Blowing Rock)
Hotspots: Watauga Community Recreation Center, Blowing Rock Parks & Rec
Community: Boone’s active lifestyle makes it a natural fit for pickleball. The Watauga Community Rec Center has dedicated indoor courts that see heavy use year-round.
6. McDowell County (Marion)
Hotspots: Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway, Marion Recreation Center
Community: The town of Marion has seen a surge in interest, with pickleball courts being incorporated into local park upgrades.
7. Haywood County (Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde)
Hotspots: Waynesville Recreation Center, Lake Junaluska Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Community: The Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club has been instrumental in expanding the sport in Haywood County.
8. Jackson County (Sylva, Cullowhee, Cashiers)
Hotspots: Mark Watson Park, Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center
Community: Jackson County’s interest in pickleball is growing, with court construction projects underway.
9. Swain County (Bryson City)
Hotspots: Swain County Recreation Park
Community: Pickleball is a newer addition to Swain County’s recreation offerings but is gaining popularity.
10. Transylvania County (Brevard, Rosman)
Hotspots: Silvermont Park, Brevard Health & Racquet Club
Community: With its strong outdoor recreation culture, Brevard has become a regional hub for pickleball.
11. Yancey County (Burnsville)
Hotspots: Burnsville Town Center
Community: A dedicated pickleball community is emerging in Burnsville, with local players pushing for additional courts.
12. Mitchell County (Spruce Pine, Bakersville)
Hotspots: Riverside Park in Spruce Pine
Community: Interest in pickleball is growing, with new community leagues forming.
13. Avery County (Newland, Banner Elk)
Hotspots: Williams YMCA of Avery County
Community: Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular among retirees and seasonal residents.
14. Cherokee County (Murphy, Andrews)
Hotspots: Konehete Park, Murphy Health & Fitness
Community: The sport has grown steadily, with plans to expand court access.
15. Clay County (Hayesville)
Hotspots: Clay County Recreation Park
Community: Pickleball is becoming a go-to sport for local retirees and fitness enthusiasts.
16. Graham County (Robbinsville)
Hotspots: Robbinsville Recreation Center
Community: Interest in the sport is just beginning, but community centers are adding pickleball lines to existing courts.
17. Polk County (Columbus, Tryon)
Hotspots: Harmon Field in Tryon, Polk County Recreation Complex
Community: The area’s large retirement population has fueled significant interest in the sport.
18. Rutherford County (Rutherfordton, Forest City, Lake Lure)
Hotspots: Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), Lake Lure Tennis Center
Community: The sport has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, with dedicated pickleball facilities being planned.
Hotspots: Carrier Park, Murphy-Oakley Park, Asheville Racquet Club
Community: Asheville has one of the most active pickleball communities in WNC, with dedicated courts and regular tournaments.
2. Henderson County (Hendersonville)
Hotspots: Patton Park, Jackson Park
Community: The Henderson County Pickleball Club is one of the most organized in the region, hosting leagues and tournaments.
3. Macon County (Franklin, Highlands)
Hotspots: Franklin Recreation Park, Highlands Recreation Center
Community: Pickleball is growing quickly in Macon County, with active clubs forming in both Franklin and Highlands. The Highlands Rec Center recently added new pickleball courts.
4. Madison County (Marshall, Mars Hill, Hot Springs)
Hotspots: Mars Hill University, Madison County Recreation Park
Community: Madison County is seeing increasing interest, with more local players advocating for dedicated pickleball facilities.
5. Watauga County (Boone, Blowing Rock)
Hotspots: Watauga Community Recreation Center, Blowing Rock Parks & Rec
Community: Boone’s active lifestyle makes it a natural fit for pickleball. The Watauga Community Rec Center has dedicated indoor courts that see heavy use year-round.
6. McDowell County (Marion)
Hotspots: Joseph McDowell Historical Catawba Greenway, Marion Recreation Center
Community: The town of Marion has seen a surge in interest, with pickleball courts being incorporated into local park upgrades.
7. Haywood County (Waynesville, Maggie Valley, Canton, Clyde)
Hotspots: Waynesville Recreation Center, Lake Junaluska Tennis & Pickleball Courts
Community: The Smoky Mountain Pickleball Club has been instrumental in expanding the sport in Haywood County.
8. Jackson County (Sylva, Cullowhee, Cashiers)
Hotspots: Mark Watson Park, Cashiers/Glenville Recreation Center
Community: Jackson County’s interest in pickleball is growing, with court construction projects underway.
9. Swain County (Bryson City)
Hotspots: Swain County Recreation Park
Community: Pickleball is a newer addition to Swain County’s recreation offerings but is gaining popularity.
10. Transylvania County (Brevard, Rosman)
Hotspots: Silvermont Park, Brevard Health & Racquet Club
Community: With its strong outdoor recreation culture, Brevard has become a regional hub for pickleball.
11. Yancey County (Burnsville)
Hotspots: Burnsville Town Center
Community: A dedicated pickleball community is emerging in Burnsville, with local players pushing for additional courts.
12. Mitchell County (Spruce Pine, Bakersville)
Hotspots: Riverside Park in Spruce Pine
Community: Interest in pickleball is growing, with new community leagues forming.
13. Avery County (Newland, Banner Elk)
Hotspots: Williams YMCA of Avery County
Community: Pickleball is becoming increasingly popular among retirees and seasonal residents.
14. Cherokee County (Murphy, Andrews)
Hotspots: Konehete Park, Murphy Health & Fitness
Community: The sport has grown steadily, with plans to expand court access.
15. Clay County (Hayesville)
Hotspots: Clay County Recreation Park
Community: Pickleball is becoming a go-to sport for local retirees and fitness enthusiasts.
16. Graham County (Robbinsville)
Hotspots: Robbinsville Recreation Center
Community: Interest in the sport is just beginning, but community centers are adding pickleball lines to existing courts.
17. Polk County (Columbus, Tryon)
Hotspots: Harmon Field in Tryon, Polk County Recreation Complex
Community: The area’s large retirement population has fueled significant interest in the sport.
18. Rutherford County (Rutherfordton, Forest City, Lake Lure)
Hotspots: Forest City Pavilion on Park Square (POPS), Lake Lure Tennis Center
Community: The sport has seen a dramatic rise in popularity, with dedicated pickleball facilities being planned.
The Future of Pickleball in WNC
The demand for pickleball courts in Western North Carolina continues to grow. Local governments and recreation departments are responding by converting underutilized tennis courts into pickleball courts and building new dedicated spaces. Private clubs are also expanding offerings, with some even considering indoor facilities to accommodate winter play.
Pickleball is more than just a passing trend—it’s becoming a staple of recreational life in WNC. Whether you're a seasoned player or new to the game, there’s never been a better time to grab a paddle and join the action!
WNCTimes
Image: WNCTimes
