Pickleball, not long ago met with hesitation and “so, like tennis?”, has become a national sensation.
With only a racquet and whiffle-like ball needed, there is a low barrier to entry. Add to that a smaller court, simple rules, and fast-paced fun, and it’s easy to see why this sport has taken off.
For comparison’s sake, it is estimated that there are 36 million pickleball players nationally and only 16 million baseball players, according to reports. Pickleball – America’s new pastime? Given its growing popularity, adding pickleball courts in Hartford could promote active living, increase social engagement, and offer an accessible, fun outlet for community members of all ages to stay healthy and connected.
As someone who lives in Hartford and enjoys pickleball, I was surprised and disappointed when a “pickleball courts Hartford” Google search instead suggested the West Hartford courts. If I were up for a longer drive, I could head to East Hartford, Bloomfield, Newington, Glastonbury, or Stamford – home to one of the largest pickleball venues in the world, a whopping 80,000 square feet.
With that said, let me ask: why are activities that promote health and wellness seemingly reserved for those with disposable income?
The benefits of pickleball are undeniable. Studies show that pickleball improves cardiovascular health, balance, and muscle strength, and the game’s social aspect also boosts mental health by fostering community and reducing stress. Pickleball is both low-impact and high-intensity, appealing to people of all ages and abilities. It even plays a role in symptom management in conditions like Parkinson’s Disease. Groups like Atlanta’s “Parkie Picklers” see the sport’s mental, aerobic, balance, and coordination benefits reflected in slowed disease progression, according to USA Pickleball.
Unfortunately, like many recreational trends, pickleball has become synonymous with exclusivity.
While private clubs and gated communities have embraced the sport, public courts remain scarce or absent in urban areas. This mirrors a larger pattern in public health and urban planning where resources are allocated disproportionately to wealthier neighborhoods. Recreation should not be a luxury, and yet, in many cases, it is. Denying people in low-income neighborhoods access to such opportunities not only exacerbates health disparities but also signals that their well-being is not a priority.
The city of Hartford’s 2025 recreational budget is nearly $2.3 million, according to Mayor, Arunan Arulampalam. At $30,000 a court, according to SportMaster Sports Surfaces, building four courts would account for just 5% of the total budget.
In a budget-constrained city, this would be a smart and cost-efficient investment. Take it from Orlando, Florida mayor Buddy Dyer, who built public courts with the intention for them to recruit professional players and host tournaments: $4 million in tax revenue later – those courts have paid for themselves (Fleming, 2023).
If Hartford wants to address these inequities, the city must invest in public pickleball courts, free from the barriers of membership fees and private access. More importantly, these spaces should be built in neighborhoods where access to recreation is limited. This is not just a plea for more courts but a call for a larger conversation about equity in recreation.
I urge city officials, community leaders, and residents to join this movement and advocate for the creation of these courts, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their zip code, can enjoy the benefits of this growing sport. Let’s make Hartford a more inclusive, active city by prioritizing access to recreational spaces for all!
