This could cause a racket — in a good way.
St. Johns County is mulling a proposed 12,000-square-foot pickleball facility in St. Augustine that could later expand to host other sports, according to an application.
Located on a 2.1 acre parcel at 6430-B County Road 16A north of Silverleaf, the yet unnamed project would include a total of 11 courts — including eight indoors and three al fresco.
“There are 50,000 people living within the Silverleaf 10-mile radius,” developer Dipak Patel wrote in a permit application.
“it would enrich the lives of the citizens in our community,” he continued. “Particularly, given our local weather issues, an indoor facility would allow people across the age spectrum to exercise year-round.”
The St. Johns County development review board will assess the plan and offer comments.
“It will give people in the county an important gathering spot to strengthen the social bonds that make our community vibrant and strong. This will have a significant impact on the physical and mental health of our citizens.”
Pickleball mania has swept the nation in recent years, with nearly 14 million Americans enjoying the sport.
Increasingly popular across all age groups, the sport has grown by 52% from 2022 to 2023, and 223% over the last five years, according to the Sports & Fitness Industry Association.
One Response
Low fences between courts?