The latest “Ponderings from Paducah” blog entry is from Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark who talks about the growth of the sport of pickleball and how open play works at the Noble Park Pickleball Courts.
Ponderings from Paducah – Growth of the Sport of Pickleball
Pickleball continues to be considered the fastest growing sport in the United States with an average growth rate of more than 300 percent over the last three years. Millions of Americans are picking up the sport with the largest group of players in the 18 to 34 age bracket, making up 29% of participants.
Paducah answered the community’s call for courts, and in 2023, the City constructed and opened eight pickleball courts in Noble Park. Paducah’s courts include shade canopies, spectator seating, and player benches. Plus, they are near the tennis courts and a restroom facility.
Since opening, the courts are consistently in use. Open play rules are required nearly anytime you and a partner or a group of friends want to use the courts. Here’s how open play operates at the Noble Park courts. Open play rules are facility specific.
Noble Park Pickleball Courts – Open Play
- Open Play is implemented when all courts are in use.
- Players place paddles in the paddle racks located courtside as space is available.
- Play to 11 points, win by 2. Losing team rotates off. Winning team stays. After a team wins 3 consecutive games, winners must rotate off the courts, and may place paddles in the space available on the racks to rotate back into play on the same court or another court.
- Be respectful of court rules and other players.
- Keep games and rotations moving smoothly and efficiently for maximum fun for all players.
Pickleball is a social sport. As with any sport and to make sure that everyone enjoys playing, here are some etiquette tips.
- Get to know your opponent.
- Learn the rules.
- Keep the courts family-friendly with no profanity.
- Honor system officiating.
- Safety first.
- Share the courts.
Paducah’s Pickleball Courts are a great space for community members to gather, connect, and participate in programs and use facilities that improve their overall health and quality of life. They are another reason there is “Always Something To Do” in Paducah with Parks and Recreation.
(Written by Director of Parks and Recreation Amie Clark)
