Pickleball continues to rise in Florida

SOUTHWEST FLORIDA, (WINK)—Pickleball has taken over tennis courts across Southwest Florida as the sport continues its meteoric rise in popularity.

The game combines skill with community building, creating a friend-making activity centered around a plastic ball and a paddle. Players of all ages have embraced the sport, from young enthusiasts to retirees looking to stay active.

"It keeps me active," said Gary Blaschke.

The PicklePlex of Punta Gorda showcases the sport's popularity every morning through its live camera feed. Blaschke's obsession with pickleball started decades ago, long before it became a nationwide phenomenon.

"I play about five days a week besides tennis, but pickleball has just taken off in the last 10 years," Blaschke said. He taught the sport in the 1970s, shortly after it originated in Bainbridge, Washington, in 1965.

At the Estero Recreation Center, 79-year-old Evelyn Cortes teaches newcomers the basics of the game. WINK News anchor Corey Lazar was invited to learn firsthand what makes the sport so addictive.

"Evelyn is probably going to whoop me, though," said Lazar.

After a few volleys and missed shots, Cortes proved to be an excellent coach. For her, pickleball has provided benefits beyond physical fitness.

"Pickleball brings you to like a new world, a new life, and it gives you incentive to keep going," Cortes said. "And also, you meet a lot of friends."

The Sports and Fitness Industry Association, along with Pickleheads, released a report in 2023 on the state of pickleball. The report found the industry will need to spend more than $855 million building courts over the coming five to seven years.

New facilities continue to open across Southwest Florida, including Ace Pickleball Courts in Fort Myers and The Courts in Cape Coral.

The expansion reflects the growing demand for dedicated pickleball venues.

For those hesitant to try the sport, Cortes encourages taking that first step onto the court.

"They welcome you and they will show you, and that's the most amazing thing that you get friends to teach you," Cortes said.