Two council-owned outside tennis courts have been marked out for pickleball, giving more opportunity for people to try one of the UK’s fastest-growing sports.
The new markings at the Cowick Barton courts mean the courts can now be used for both tennis and pickleball, helping to make better use of existing facilities while supporting more people to get active outdoors.
The work has been funded by Live and Move, the Council’s Sport England partnership programme, working alongside the Council Parks team and Wellbeing Exeter.
There has been a strong demand for pickleball from local residents in recent years, with a local Exeter Pickleball club being established.
Pickleball is a fun and accessible racket sport that combines elements of tennis, badminton and table tennis. It is played with paddles and a lightweight plastic ball on a smaller court, making it easy to learn and suitable for people of different ages and abilities.
Councillors and players have welcomed the move, saying the new markings will help meet growing demand for pickleball and encourage more residents to enjoy free and accessible sport in their community.
Cllr Duncan Wood, Lead Councillor for Leisure Services and Healthy Living, said: “We are delighted to be able to offer residents the chance to play pickleball on these council-owned courts.
“It is a simple, sociable and inclusive sport, and these new markings will help people of all ages get active, meet others and enjoy our public sports facilities.”
“Pickleball is easy to pick up and great to play. By adapting existing tennis courts, we can support this demand in a practical and cost-effective way while continuing to provide space for tennis.”
Tim Spurway, a founding director of Exeter Pickleball Club said and regional director of Pickball England, said: “This is fantastic news for anyone who wants to try the sport. Pickleball is welcoming, social and suitable for beginners, and having dedicated markings on public courts will make it much easier for people to get involved.”
The courts are free to use and remain available for tennis, with the additional pickleball markings increasing the range of activities that can be played on the same space.
Residents are encouraged to bring a paddle and ball and give pickleball a go, whether they are experienced racket sport players or trying something new for the first time.
Pickleball sessions are regularly held at Riverside Leisure Centre and Wonford leisure centres.
To find out more details about getting involved in pickleball in Exeter visit the Exeter Leisure website or via the app.
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