Paramus is embracing the pickleball trend that's been taking New Jersey and the nation by storm, with plans to construct its first court for the sport. The borough received a $207,500 Bergen County Open Space grant last year and is now searching for the perfect location to establish a court that will cater to both tennis and pickleball players.
In addition to Paramus, three other towns are slated to add new pickleball courts in 2023. Wood Dale County Park in Woodcliff Lake, Samuel Nelkin County Park in Wallington, and Saddle River County Park in Rochelle Park are all getting upgrades to be pickleball-compatible. These developments demonstrate the continued growth and interest in pickleball as a fun and accessible sport for all ages.
Serving Tennis and Pickleball Players
Borough Administrator Hector Olmo mentioned that the proposed court would serve both sports, as one tennis court has enough space to accommodate two pickleball courts. However, finding a suitable location has proven to be challenging due to noise concerns raised by community members regarding the sound of pickleball play. This has prompted the borough to look into soundproofing options, similar to the debates that occurred in neighboring Ridgewood.
The Rapid Growth of Pickleball
The sport of pickleball, which skillfully combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping pong, is among the fastest-growing in the United States. In 2022, the Association of Pickleball Professionals reported that over 36.5 million people had played the game at least once. Other nearby towns, such as Clifton and Passaic, have also welcomed the sport by building new courts or adapting existing tennis facilities.
Cresskill Joins the Action
In addition to his role as borough administrator, Olmo serves as a Cresskill councilman. He shared that Cresskill received a similar grant and is planning to build a community pickleball court.
Paramus and Bergen County: Future Pickleball Hubs?
The U.S. Pickleball Association recently visited Paramus to explore potential locations for an indoor and outdoor facility to host tournaments. This development indicates that Paramus and Bergen County as a whole could soon become central hubs for pickleball enthusiasts, attracting players from near and far to enjoy this fast-growing sport.