ANNA MARIA ISLAND – Pickleball players have many places to play the sport on and around the Island.
The cooler weather on the horizon bodes well for those who enjoy playing pickleball on the outdoor courts in Anna Maria, Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach. Pickleball can also be played at the open-air, $2.9 million C.V. Walton Racquet Center pickleball courts at Manatee County’s G.T. Bray Recreation Center in west Bradenton. In August, “Pickleball Magazine” included the G.T. Bray pickleball facility in its “25 Great Places to Play Pickleball” cover story.
Often described as America’s fastest-growing sport, pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong in a game played on a court that resembles, but is smaller than, a tennis court. The smaller court and use of paddles and a perforated plastic ball make pickleball an ideal sport for players of all ages. The sport is extremely popular with those 55 and older.
The USA Pickleball organization is the national governing body for the sport.
“The rules are simple and the game is easy for beginners to learn but can develop into a fast-paced, competitive game,” the USA Pickleball website says.
“A pickleball court is the same size as a doubles badminton court and measures 20×44 feet. The net height is 36 inches at the sidelines and 34 inches in the middle. The court is striped similar to a tennis court with right and left service courts and a 7-foot non-volley zone in front of the net. Courts can be constructed specifically for pickleball or they can be converted using existing tennis or badminton courts,” according to the website.
CBS News and FOX News recently reported vacant and unused office spaces and shopping malls around the country have been converted into thriving indoor pickleball courts.
Island courts
The Center of Anna Maria Island offers three outdoor pickleball courts and three more indoor courts inside the gymnasium.
Folks have been playing pickleball at The Center since 2010. According to Executive Director Chris Culhane, The Center had 3,300 pickleball player check-ins in 2022. That figure includes repeat players, including those who play several days a week.
Pickleball is free to play with a Center membership and The Center offers daily, weekly, monthly and annual membership options.
The Center also offers indoor and outdoor pickleball lessons for those who want to learn the game or improve their play.
“We have multiple instructors. During peak season, the pickleball courts are very busy but our instructors do a great job of fitting in lessons whenever there’s court availability,” Center Recreation Director Tyler Bekkerus said.
In 2015, the Bradenton Beach Community Redevelopment Agency paid for a public pickleball court to be installed at Lou Barolo Park on Highland Avenue, near the police station. On the north side of the city, the Herb Dolan Park basketball court is striped in a manner that allows it to also be used as a pickleball court.
The Bradenton Beach City Commission is currently considering spending $38,000 to install two new pickleball courts at Herb Dolan Park.
The city of Holmes Beach provides two pickleball courts and two tennis courts that can also be used as pickleball courts in the City Field recreational area. There’s no fee to play pickleball at the Bradenton Beach and Holmes Beach courts.
County complex
In August, Manatee County issued a press release regarding “Pickleball Magazine” including the G.T. Bray pickleball facility in its July/August cover story.
“We’ve compiled a list of just some of the wonderful places to play pickleball in the open air around the country,” the story notes.
The story features a brief overview of the G.T. Bray facility: “Opened in 2022, the new C.V. Walton Racquet Center pickleball courts at the G.T. Bray Recreation Center are a terrific place to play. There are 20 courts, 14 of which are covered and include large ceiling fans to keep the air circulating during the hot summer months. Reservations for the outdoor courts may be made six days in advance. The reservation line opens at noon. Open play is available daily.”
In the press release, Deputy Director of Manatee County Sports and Leisure Services Molly White said, “The G. T. Bray pickleball complex is a state-of-the-art facility. It’s no surprise to our users to be named one of the best. We have a great community and we are happy to be able to meet their pickleball needs while attracting tournaments with players from all over the United States.”
County Commission Chairman Kevin Van Ostenbridge said, “It’s great to see recognition like this. It is an acknowledgment of the ongoing commitment to keeping our county amenities world-class.”
When providing additional information about the G.T. Bray pickleball complex, Manatee County Information Outreach Manager Bill Logan said, “During season, we average about 1,000 participants in a membership that includes pickleball and we accommodate over 27,000 participants annually who pay a daily fee to play. We offer a variety of programs throughout the year including leagues for all levels, private lessons, clinics and tournaments that attract players from all over the United States. We also offer open play on a daily basis, with the largest turnout between 9 a.m. and noon. With 10 dedicated open-play courts during this timeframe, divided into three playing levels, there is always a court available for all levels of play.”
While playing pickleball at the county facility, Jeff Brooke said, “I think the facility’s amazing. There are different levels of play that make it fun for beginners and fun for the more experienced players as well. There’s a lot of shade and the facility is run very well.”
To reserve a G.T. Bray court, call 941-742-5973. The fee to play is $5 per day. The G.T. Bray Recreation Center is located at 5502 33rd Ave. Drive W. in Bradenton.
