Pickleball's Popularity Sparks Court Shortage in Arroyo Grande
Growing Demand for Pickleball Courts
The surge in pickleball's popularity is leading to a shortage of courts in Arroyo Grande, as players express concerns that the number of available facilities is not keeping up with the sport's rapid expansion. A report from a local news outlet indicates that participation in pickleball, often referred to as the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., has surged by over 45% from 2023 to 2024, while the number of courts remains limited.
At the Soto Sports Complex, pickleball enthusiasts gather nearly every morning, filling the parking area and waiting for their turn to play on the four courts, which can accommodate just 16 players at once. Local player Cheri Dematteo noted that wait times can extend to nearly 20 minutes due to the increasing number of participants. She stated, “We have around 40 people here, and we’re sitting for 10, 15, 20 minutes without being able to play. Arroyo Grande and Grover Beach need more facilities.”
Given that pickleball courts are much smaller than tennis courts, some players occasionally utilize vacant tennis courts when they are available. Local tennis player Brandon Sedgwick mentioned that this shared usage rarely leads to conflicts. “They sometimes use the courts if no one else is there,” Sedgwick explained. “I’ve seldom seen these courts fully occupied by tennis players.”
The increasing demand has caught the attention of the Arroyo Grande City Council. In September, pickleball players attended a council meeting to propose adding pickleball lines to two of the four existing tennis courts at Soto Sports Complex, allowing both sports to share the space. After a lengthy discussion, the council decided to postpone any immediate action and requested further surveys and community feedback.
Mayor Caren Ray Russom acknowledged the competing interests during the meeting, stating, “I want you to know, especially the pickleball players, I’m hearing you. I understand you want more space, but I also hear the tennis players. I don’t want to make a hasty decision without gathering all the necessary information.” City officials have not yet provided a new timeline for decisions regarding additional courts.
Despite the limited facilities, pickleball continues to draw players of all ages, including 91-year-old Mary Neal, a regular at the Arroyo Grande courts. Dematteo commended Neal’s competitive spirit, saying, “When I first met her, she told me I could be her daughter. She’s an exceptional player and an inspiration to us all.” Neal attributes her active lifestyle to her fitness routine, stating, “I work out four days a week, and I’ve been doing that for about 30 years. I believe that’s what keeps me strong.”
Having started playing pickleball at the complex in 2021, Neal understands the challenges city leaders face. “We’re advocating for more courts, but everyone has budget constraints, so we’re persistent,” she said. “We’ll see what unfolds.” Until new facilities are established, players from both sports will continue to share the existing courts. Sedgwick emphasized the importance of cooperation, stating that both tennis and pickleball players will work together to ensure everyone has the opportunity to play.