A community church is stepping up to build one of Clovis residents’ most sought-after amenities — new pickleball courts. In recent years, pickleball has rapidly gained popularity due to its gentle learning curve and broad appeal to people of all ages from children to retirees. In the U.S., there were an estimated 19.8 million pickleball players in 2024, an increase of 45.8% compared to 2023, according to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association.
The sport has become a big draw in Clovis, as well, but the city currently is a pickleball desert of sorts. There are no outdoor pickleball courts in Clovis, according to city officials. That will soon change. The Well Community Church recently received approval from the city’s planning commission to build six full-size pickleball courts on its campus at 325 Nees Avenue. “We just thought pickleball has such a buzz right now that we might make a pivot and build pickleball courts,” said Jeremy Vanderlinden, executive pastor of the church. “I don’t think there’s too much on the east side of town here in regards to pickleball, it’s a little bit more in Fresno and on the west side of town, so we thought we’d offer the community something a little bit closer.” Vanderlinden said the church originally filed an application to build basketball courts, but changed its plans after learning of the community’s love for pickleball. The 16,300-square foot pickleball courts, adjacent to four sand volleyball courts, will be located within the campus’ recreational area next to 3 acres of open turf space. The courts will also be equipped with perimeter gates and fences, bench seating, surrounding concrete pathways and site lighting, according to the project proposal. The estimated cost will be $500,000, Vanderlinden said. The church has gathered enough positive feedback from folks who would be willing to financially support the facilities, he said.
Source: https://www.fresnobee.com/news/local/article310961360.html