It is the fastest growing sport in the country with courts popping up all over the place. People of all ages are able to learn quickly and that is the beauty of the game. It is affordable and can be enjoyed by people of all skill levels and physical abilities. What is it? Pickleball and, it’s growing fast right here in Mesquite.
Nick Montoya, John Sadler, Mayor Litman, Councilman Boger and a slew of residents were at the new pickleball courts this morning for the official ribbon-cutting/opening. People couldn’t wait for the ribbon to be cut. Just as soon as it was, the courts were full.
The new courts are located at 49 W. Old Mill Rd. right across from the Mesquite Recreation Center. These are the newest courts to be built but not by far the only courts in Mesquite, and there are still plans to build more.
Mesquite currently has 6 courts in Sun City with the plans to build 16 more. The 16 new courts will take about a year before they’re build according to John Sadler, Mesquite’s official Pickleball Ambassador, President of the Sun City Pickleball Club and instructor extraordinaire. There are also courts at Hafen Park and the Recreation Center. All have a waiting list, especially in the winter months. Currently there are 287 registered members of the Sun City Club alone.
The opening of the new courts come just in time for the Mesquite Senior Games Pickleball Tournaments on March 14 and 15. Right now there are about 97 people signed up to play with the expectations of many more before the tournament registration closes. Mesquite Senior Games will be the first tournaments held at the new courts but they are open to play today.
Phase two of the project will bring in some permanent restrooms, currently there are portable ones. There is plenty of light on the new courts so you you can play in the evenings when the weather gets warmer, and they’re LED so they’re effecient as well. More courts are in the plans as well as shade structures for comfort.
The Athletics and Leisure Services Department has set up three courts inside the Recreation Center Facility for Pickleball play for all ages and levels. We ask that all patrons coordinate your specific playing schedules and skill levels and follow the rules of good sportsmanship.
Monday 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Tuesday 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Wednesday 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Thursday 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Friday 11:30AM – 3:30PM
Saturday 8:00AM – 10:00AM (Lessons)
The courts are located in the West Gym of the Mesquite Recreation Center. The Recreation Center will have limited paddles and balls but you are welcome to bring your own equipment if you have the items.
Wear comfortable clothing; gym shoes (non-marking soled shoes), bring a sweat towel, and a bottle of water. There are fees included if you do not possess a membership to the facility. Please inquire on these with the Recreation Center staff upon entry.
You can read related articles about this project from the Mesquite Citizen Journal: