Darien To Explore Ways To Expand Pickleball Court Capacity In Town

DARIEN, CT — Pickleball, anyone?

Darien First Selectman Jon Zagrodzky highlighted the growing sport in his latest video update series and said the town is looking at ways to increase court capacity in town.

Over 600 people have asked about pickleball lessons in town since January of last year, Zagrodzky said in the video, which was posted to the Darien TV79 website.

Additionally, the Parks & Rec. online reservation system for the town's four pickleball courts at Cherry Lawn Park has amassed 2,800 reservations since last May.

"Pickleball is really popular here in Darien. We hear you, and we're working on trying to create some capacity options that make sense and don't disturb either players of tennis or residents too much," Zagrodzky said.

Parks & Recreation Commission Chair Lorene Bora has convened a subcommittee to focus on pickleball and potential court options. Outside of the four at Cherry Lawn, there are two in the gymnasium at Town Hall, but they're mostly used for lessons.

The YMCA on the Post Road offers pickleball to members, and country clubs in town have lines on tennis courts.

Zagrodzky noted there are several challenges with adding new pickleball courts, especially near residences, because of the high-pitch "thwack" of the racquet hitting the ball.

"We've had some complaints from neighbors who have pickleball courts near their homes," Zagrodzky said.

There has been resistance to converting existing tennis courts into pickleball courts because the lines can be confusing for players, Zagrodzky said. Four pickleball courts can be placed on one tennis court.

However, there are some options to increase capacity, Zagrodzky added, such as using equipment to convert paddle courts to pickleball courts. The paddle courts at Weed Beach could be candidates.

Space is available outside the tennis and paddle courts at Weed Beach away from residents where new pickleball courts can be constructed, Zagrodzky said.

Another route could be revisiting adding lines to existing tennis courts. While there have been disagreements, the Parks & Rec. subcommittee will take another look, according to Zagrodzky.

"It feels like something we should invest in and create capacity," Zagrodzky said. "I love the idea that it gives ways for people to get out and move around and play sports when maybe they couldn't because of physical limitations But pickleball is terrific, and I hope we can make some investments that will bring new capacity to town."

Watch Zagrodzky's full video on pickleball on Darien TV79.