Pickleball Gaining Popularity in North Carolina, Faces Challenges With Court Availability
The sport of pickleball is taking North Carolina by storm, with a 40% growth in popularity over the last two years. Bryan Kalentek, a newcomer to the game, has quickly become a passionate player and teacher, introducing many others to the sport at Frank Liske Park in Concord.
Kalentek, who initially thought pickleball was just for senior citizens, was inspired to try it after seeing a friend in her early 40s enjoy the game. Now, he spends his weekends teaching newcomers and playing with his meetup group, Charlotte Pickleballers, which boasts over 700 members.
Despite the growing interest in pickleball, there is a shortage of dedicated courts in the area, especially in south Charlotte. This has led players like Kalentek and Jason Duncan to travel long distances to find suitable courts. However, their enthusiasm for the sport remains unwavering.
Excitement is building for a new pickleball entertainment facility set to open in Charlotte’s lower south end neighborhood in 2023. The facility will bring eight more courts to the area, providing more opportunities for people to learn and enjoy the game.
Kalentek, who has already introduced over 100 people to pickleball, is thrilled about the new facility and the potential it has to promote a healthy and active lifestyle for even more individuals. With pickleball’s popularity on the rise, the addition of more courts is sure to be a welcome development for players across North Carolina.
