News Summary
Outer Banks, NC is experiencing unprecedented demand for pickleball, leading to a significant shortage of available facilities. With over 250 active players in the OBX Pickleball Group, existing venues are struggling to meet needs. Dare County has allocated funds for new facilities but progress has stalled, leaving the community eager for more dedicated courts. As pickleball popularity grows, enthusiasts are advocating for both indoor and additional outdoor spaces to accommodate the rising number of players.
Outer Banks Faces Pickleball Facility Shortage Amid Surging Demand
Outer Banks, North Carolina, has experienced a surge in popularity for the sport of pickleball, drawing in numerous enthusiasts, especially during the summer months. Despite this growing interest, the area is grappling with a significant shortage of suitable facilities dedicated to the sport.
The OBX Pickleball Group, led by organizer Scott Garber, has amassed over 250 active members who regularly engage in the game. However, players are facing challenges in securing adequate locations to play, as the current venues—such as Pine Island in Currituck County and the Westside Athletic Field—lack dedicated pickleball courts. This shortage has led many local players to call for more facilities to accommodate the rising number of participants.
Dare County’s Commitment and Challenges
Two years ago, Dare County allocated $500,000 for the development of pickleball facilities to meet this growing demand. However, Dare County Manager Bobby Outten has reported that progress has stalled due to difficulties in finding a suitable location for these new facilities. As a result, the pickleball community is left waiting for updates while expressing concerns about the prioritization of the sport in future county budgets.
To better understand how to effectively utilize its parks and recreation funds, Dare County is currently conducting a study focused on the needs of the community. The results of this study are expected to be released in September and will inform decision-making regarding recreational developments in the area. However, Garber and many other pickleball enthusiasts worry that the sport may once again take a backseat in terms of funding and attention once the study is completed.
Call for Indoor Courts and Expanded Space
Many in the pickleball community are advocating for the construction of indoor courts and additional outdoor spaces to accommodate the growing player base. Currently, available playing locations include the Currituck Senior Center, Dare County Recreation Center, Dowdy Park, Fessenden Center, Outer Banks Family YMCA, Pine Island Racquet & Fitness, and Westcott Park. The existing facilities often fall short of catering to the expanding demand.
Rise in Popularity
The sport of pickleball has witnessed a remarkable growth of nearly 40% in participation over the last two years, with an estimated five million players across the United States. It is particularly popular among older adults, with an average player age of 38, though younger players are increasingly joining the ranks as well. The lockdowns and social distancing measures implemented during the COVID-19 pandemic contributed to an increased interest in the sport, providing a way for players to remain active and socially connected despite the restrictions.
The Outer Banks area clearly exemplifies both the challenges and the potential of pickleball as a recreational activity. However, the pickleball community’s desire for prioritization in recreational facility development reflects the urgent need for dedicated spaces that can support the sport’s continued growth.
As the summer season approaches and player numbers rise, the call for more pickleball facilities in Dare County continues to grow louder, spotlighting the necessity for quick action to accommodate this passionate community of players.
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Additional Resources
- WTKR: Outer Banks Pickleball Community Calls for Prioritization of Recreation in Dare County
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- The Coastland Times: Pickleball Increasingly Popular Sport
- Google Search: Pickleball facilities Dare County
- Daily Advance: Currituck Officials Hold Ribbon Cutting Ceremony for New Shingle Landing Park
- Google Scholar: pickleball facilities north carolina
- The Coastland Times: Shingle Landing Park Opens in Moyock
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
Author: STAFF HERE OUTER BANKS WRITER
The OBX STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOBX.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in the Outer Banks, Dare County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Outer Banks Seafood Festival, NC VIP Fishing Tournament, and NCBBA Red Drum Tournament. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce and Outer Banks Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in tourism, retail, and hospitality that power the local economy such as Kitty Hawk Kites, Outer Banks Mall, and Avon Fishing Pier. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HERECharlotte.com, HEREGreensboro.com, and HERERaleigh.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.
