Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States. It’s popular among 55 and older communities. It’s why you’ll find pickleball courts in most Cove Communities.
This sport is perfect for beginners and individuals of all ages looking to stay active.
Grab a paddle and get ready to play—once you start, you’ll definitely want to keep going!
What is Pickleball?
Pickleball is played on a smaller court than tennis, but with nets of similar height (about 34 inches high). The game uses a plastic ball and wooden paddles that are larger than ping-pong paddles.
It can be enjoyed both indoors and outdoors and is played in singles or doubles. The sport has a dedicated following due to its ability to encourage a community through social gatherings and friendly competition.
While no special attire is necessary, tennis shoes and athletic wear are recommended. Pickleball is especially popular in active older adult living communities.
Florida 55+ Communities with Pickleball Courts
Score points on the pickleball court at one of these must-see manufactured home communities:
- Bear Creek Village – Ormond Beach, Florida
- Camelot Lakes Village – Sarasota, Florida
- Camelot East Village– Sarasota, Florida
- Cypress Lakes Village, Lakeland, Florida
- Jamaica Bay Village – Fort Myers, Florida
- Rolling Greens Village – Ocala, Florida
- StrawBerry Ridge Village – Valrico, Florida
- Sun Valley – Tarpon Springs, Florida
- The Meadows – Tarpon Springs, Florida
Each one of these Cove Communities offers pickleball games as an everyday activity. Residents can find pickleball tournaments on their community activities calendar. Many of these senior living communities also offer pickleball leagues, tournaments, and clubs. Check with your community lifestyle manager for specifics on leagues and clubs.
Communities Offering Pickleball Clubs
The Meadows
A pickleball club is starting at The Meadows in the fall of 2024. More information to come.
Cypress Lakes Village
The pickleball club at Cypress Lakes Village is one of the biggest with more than 200 members. Pickleball can be played on six courts.
- Pickleball Club – Monday and Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Advanced players – Sunday and Wednesday from 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Pickleball beginners and intermediate players – Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday 8:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m.
- Open play – Daily from 8:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. on courts 5 and 6.
Cypress Lake Pickleball Club Membership:
- Residents can join the club by filling out a membership form located outside the pickleball courts. The cost is $20.00 per year. Submit your money and membership form to the address on the envelope.
- Members’ benefits are having the opportunity to play in all club tournaments including, turkey shoot, welcome back tournament, sweetheart tournament, and can-am tournament. Other benefits are plaque tournaments, men’s and women’s doubles, mixed doubles and international tournaments. The last benefit is the social events such as Christmas Parties and an international dinner.
- Members and residents can make a reservation to play with their friends and family from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. and on Sunday, Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. Reservations are available from 11:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, Thursday, and Saturday.
- Reservations can be made online by club members and residents.
Strawberry Ridge Village
The pickleball club plays from October to May, four times a week at StrawBerry Ridge Village. Their schedule is Tuesday, Thursday, Saturday at 9:00 a.m. and on Wednesdays at 7:00 p.m.
Aaine Carrera is the club host and is willing to teach others how to play if they are interested. To learn more, her number is (484) 818-8430.
Rolling Greens Village
The pickleball group meets every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Sunday at Rolling Greens Village. Residents play depending on the season but usually start at 8:30 a.m. or 9:00 a.m.
Residents can play for free. Beginners can learn how to play pickleball on Sunday nights. Rolling Greens’ resident ambassadors host lessons every Sunday from 7:30 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
How to Play Pickleball
For those new pickleheads (yep, that’s the lingo), you can find official pickleball rules at USA Pickleball’s website.
How to Play 101 for Beginning Pickleball Players:
- Serve the ball
- Let the ball bounce once before returning or volley the ball out of the air
- Don’t volley in the non-volley zones (referred to as the kitchen)
- Stay on your side of the court
- Record your pickleball scores
Benefits of Living in a 55+ Community
There’s much more beyond the pickleball courts in Cove Communities across Florida.
Amenities vary but include golf courses, swimming pools, shuffleboard, tennis, cornhole, fitness centers, waterfront views, and arts and crafts.
If you are ready to get your pickle-on, it starts with booking a tour to make one of these communities home. Connect with a home sales specialist to explore all the homes for sale and see the community lifestyle.
