More than 400 kids aged 5 to 13 participated in a massive pickleball crash course at Danny Cuniff Park, aiming to unofficially break the world record for the largest pickleball lesson. Organized by instructor Mark Miller, his Munchkin Programs, the Park District of Highland Park, and the Chicago Slice professional team, the event introduced children to the sport’s basics while promoting self-esteem and inclusivity. Miller, who previously set a record of 300 participants in Arizona, called kids an “untapped market” for pickleball, a sport that has surged in popularity due to its accessibility and social benefits.
Highland Park’s recreation director and pickleball pros highlighted the sport’s appeal across all ages and skill levels, emphasizing its slower pace and health advantages. The event also served as a lead-up to the opening of the Park District’s new indoor pickleball and padel facility, Club Pickle & Padel, featuring 10 pickleball courts and 4 padel courts inside a 50,000-square-foot dome, set to open in August.
