The Ultimate Guide to Pickleball Addiction: Why Everyone is Obsessed

Nov. 29—Pickleball is a sport that is rapidly gaining popularity in Athens and Decatur, with more courts being built to accommodate the growing interest, according to Jennifer Bridges, a dedicated pickleball enthusiast. Bridges, who serves as the vice president of the Athens Alabama Pickleball Association (AAPA), expressed how the sport is attracting individuals of all ages, providing an enjoyable way to stay active.

“For me, traditional workouts like going to the gym or taking a walk don’t excite me, but I can easily spend hours playing pickleball,” Bridges said. “It’s my latest addiction.”

Recently, Athens opened new pickleball courts at Big Spring Park, adding six courts to the existing 18 in the area. Bridges worked with the AAPA to advocate for these additional courts to meet the high demand from the growing pickleball community.

“We currently have almost 300 members in our association, and the community extends beyond that. People from the surrounding areas, including Decatur, Madison, Huntsville, and more, join us for games,” she explained.

Emphasizing the inclusivity of the sport, Bridges noted, “We have players ranging from their 20s to 80s, all coming together to stay active and have fun. Pickleball is truly a sport for everyone.”

The AAPA also hosts tournaments, including the Picklefest Tournament, which saw around 250 participants, making it one of the largest pickleball events in north Alabama.

With pickleball’s prominence, Bert Bradford, director of Athens Parks and Recreation, emphasized the city’s efforts to meet the demand. According to him, the recent establishment of six new courts at Big Spring Park has been a year-long process.

Decatur also appears to be embracing the pickleball craze, as Aaron Lang, Decatur Parks and Recreation operations manager, mentioned the 17 pickleball courts in the city, with plans for a new 12-court indoor facility at Point Mallard.

As pickleball continues to gain momentum, Lang anticipates the upcoming indoor courts to attract even more interest, with hopes to hold tournaments and offer the facility for rental.

For inquiries about pickleball in Decatur, contact —[email protected] or call 256-340-2460.