The Rise of Pickleball in Kernersville

By Brandon Mackie

If you have been in Kernersville lately, you may have noticed an unusual sight: groups of people gathered on courts, wielding paddles and hitting small plastic balls back and forth. These folks are playing pickleball, a competitive sport that is taking the country by storm and is quickly gaining popularity here in our hometown.

For those of you who have not caught on to the craze yet, pickleball is a slow-paced paddle sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong. It is typically played on a court that is approximately one-third the size of a tennis court and features simple rules that make it easy to learn for players of all levels.

The Association of Pickleball Professionals (APP) estimates that there are over 36.5 million pickleball players in the US, and the sport shows no signs of slowing down. Pickleheads, the go-to source for all things pickleball, reports that there are now a total of 10,320 courts across the country. With more and more people jumping on the pickleball bandwagon, it is only a matter of time before we see even more courts popping up.

Why Pickleball is Growing in Kernersville

Kernersville is full of active, fun-loving people who are always looking for new ways to stay fit and have a good time. And pickleball offers just that – a chance to get outside, get some exercise, and socialize with friends and neighbors. 

Pickleball fosters a fun environment that promotes interaction and a sense of camaraderie. This can be especially important for individuals looking to expand their circle or simply enjoy spending time with others while participating in a physical activity.

Besides its social benefits, pickleball is also a great way to improve your health and fitness. The sport provides a full-body workout that can help improve cardiovascular health, increase strength and flexibility, and boost overall fitness levels. Because pickleball is a low-impact sport, it can be a great option for individuals who may have joint or mobility issues but still want to stay active and healthy.

Pickleheads reports that there are currently four pickleball facilities situated in Kernersville, with another one slated to open soon. In terms of the number of places available to play pickleball, it ranks first in Forsyth County and second in the greater Piedmont Triad area.

The following are the top courts in Kernersville, where an increasing number of players can be found playing:

Fourth of July Park 

A public pickleball facility at Fourth of July Park provides two dedicated hard courts with permanent lines and nets. The courts are equipped with lighting, making it possible to play both day and night. It also offers walking trails, an all-inclusive playground, individual picnic areas, and standalone grills. The recreational amenities make it an ideal location for families and friends looking to spend a fun-filled day outdoors.

If you are looking for something quieter, why not try one of the private courts:

Kernersville YMCA

The Kernersville YMCA features three indoor courts. The courts are fully marked with permanent lines and equipped with portable nets. Players can reserve the courts ahead of time for their convenience. To participate in games, players must have a membership with the YMCA. It also features a dedicated kids zone, catering to younger visitors and providing a safe, supervised area for play.

The Fitness Center at Kernersville

A double indoor court that has nets set up for games, along with paddles and balls ready for use. You need a membership to access the court. Those who wish to relax can take advantage of the facility’s beautiful indoor and outdoor pools, whirlpool, and sauna.

Maddawg Center

The Maddawg Center offers pickleball facilities on their basketball court, complete with marked lines. Interested players can check the center’s calendar to determine when the courts are available for use.

But that’s not all, there’s even more on the way:

Civitan Park 

Civitan Park is currently undergoing renovations, and the plans include a brand new pickleball facility featuring three dedicated courts. The courts will be constructed to meet the needs of pickleball players and will be a welcomed addition to the park’s recreational offerings. It will also feature a redesigned walking trail and ball field, four tennis courts, a basketball court, and two shelters. 

So there you have it – the rise of pickleball in Kernersville. A fun, exciting sport that is capturing the hearts and minds of people all over town. If you have not learned how to play pickleball yet, what are you waiting for? Grab a paddle, head to the courts, and get ready to have some serious fun! Learn more about the game, rules and court locations by visiting Pickleheads.com.

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