January 2023
With the permacloud covering northern Indiana, it was an expedient time to flee south for some sun, blue skies, palm trees and pickleball. For years we have desired to visit the Florida Keys but have never made the trip even though we had been to southern FL numerous times. With friends now living in Big Pine Key and one of them unofficially "The Mayor of Pickleball" in Big Pine we pulled together plans to visit the Keys. Our first play was in Big Pine Key, but we couldn't pass up the opportunity to play also in Key West, the Southernmost pickleball court in the continental US.
As we hung our pickleball bag on the fence in Key West and placed our paddle in the rotation rack, we were observing play and noticed that the three courts on the south side were more skilled than most of those on the north. This was not a coincidence. We soon found out that the south courts were 'challenge courts.' The two players winning a game stayed on the court while the losers left and two new players entered to attempt to be the new winners.
This particular morning, we estimated there were 24 participating in open play and another 20 on the challenge court side. Next to the pickleball courts were 4 tennis courts which sat empty the entire time we were there. Some pickleball players did set up temporary nets on a couple of the courts. I'm sure that another 3 or 4 dedicated pickleball courts could be well utilized. Pickleball, making tennis courts great again.
Across the street from the courts is Higgs Beach and Pier. The beach beckons visitors to come and soak up some vitamin D. The pier is a great alternative to experiencing the sunset if you prefer not to be one of hundreds on Mallory Square. Also Salute! On The Beach, a dining establishment, is just across the street.
The popular Southernmost Point marker is just a little over half a mile from the pickleball courts. The off street parking for pickleball and tennis provide a great place to leave your car if you are willing to walk. After playing, we walked to Duval St and then to the port which is about a mile and a half one way.
Hi Harold, glad you’re having a great time visiting the wonderful state of Florida. I understand that Pickle Ball is becoming a sensation but just to let you know that if those tennis courts were empty it’s probably the fault of the annoying noise that pickle ballers continually emit.
ReplyDeleteTennis has been around for a very, very long time and it is now being forced out of many facilities. You may think “Pickle ball, making tennis courts great again” but I assure you tennis is alive and well and is not going away 🌞
Love ya brother,
Roy
Roy, just a friendly poke. :-) In some places there is hostile animosity between tennis and pickleball. That is sad. There should be a place for all of us out there. Locally it was racquetball courts that became pickleball courts due to the substantial differential in players. Also, there were outdoor basketball courts that became pickleball courts. The basketball courts were attracting individuals that became a problem at the park the courts were located in. In California, the indoor basketball court was turned into a pickleball court after a gun was brought to the games. I think one of the major attractions to pickleball is "open play" where players can show up and play other players. Many of the professional pickleball players come from a tennis background. May we all get along.
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