Pickleball is a racket sport that combines elements of badminton, table tennis, and tennis on a court with players using paddles and a polymer ball similar to a wiffle ball. Pickleball has experienced tremendous growth in the last five years. The ease of play, and its low impact on joints, has made it popular for groups of all ages and skill sets. The 2021 Sports & Fitness Industry Association’s (“SFIA”), Sports, Fitness and Leisure Activities Topline Participation Report estimates there are 4.2 million pickleball players nationwide. Participation increased by 21% from 2019 to 2020, with a five-year average annual growth rate of 11%. These trends make it the fastest growing racket sport in the country.
The City of Miami Beach (“City”) has experienced significant pickleball participation growth over the past few years. The Parks and Recreation Department (“Department”) receives numerous requests per month for additional courts and is in regular contact with a Miami Beach pickleball advocacy group which has more than 150 members. Additionally, the Department is working closely with the USA Pickleball Ambassador, Lily Azel, in promoting and expanding the sport of pickleball within the City.
The City, like many others across the country, has met this exponential growth by retrofitting existing tennis and indoor recreational facilities into multi-purpose courts to accommodate pickleball. Currently, there are five convertible outdoor tennis/pickleball courts at four facilities throughout the City. Fairway Park (2), Polo Park (1), Normandy Shores Park (1) and Miami Beach Golf Club (1).
During the March 9, 2022 City Commission meeting, Resolution No. 2022-32066 (Exhibit B) was passed directing Administration to line up to ten additional tennis courts at City parks to allow for both tennis and pickleball play.
During the March 29, 2022 PSNQLC meeting, the Department proposed three (3) recommendations to meet the short-and long-term needs of the pickleball players. The first recommendation was to construct new pickleball-specific facilities within City parks and property such as Flamingo Park and Normandy isle Park. The second recommendation was to purchase a portable flooring system and activating underutilized spaces throughout the City for temporary activations at potential sites such as Altos del Mar Park, Collins Park spoil, Crespi Park, Lummus Park, Indian Beach Park, and street closures for special events and tournaments. Lastly, the third recommendation was to stripe one (1) tennis court at Palm Island Park to create two pickleball courts that would still allow for a traditional tennis match option.
During the meeting, the Department withdrew the second recommendation to purchase a portable flooring system and activating underutilized spaces throughout the City for temporary activations, due to negative feedback from the public on the playability on this surface.
After discussion and input from the public, the Committee recommended the following for approval:
· The conversion of the tennis courts at Miami Beach Golf Club to dedicated pickleball courts
· The conversion of one (1) tennis court at Polo Park to dedicated pickleball courts
· Striping of one (1) tennis court at Palm Island Park to create two (2) non-dedicated pickleball courts that would still allow for a traditional tennis match option
· Requesting funding for the installation of lighting at the Miami Beach Golf Club courts through the FY 2023 capital budget process
The Department will work quickly and closely with contractors to effectuate the above recommendations. Administration will return to the May 2022 PSNQLC meeting to give updates on the projects and further discuss permanent pickleball and padel facilities in the City.