Twelve pickleball players took to the courts at Islamorada’s Founders Park for a morning clinic led by pickleball pro Susie Jannach and Lily Pardinas. They practiced serving and volleyed on two of the newest courts next to the pool building to accommodate the sport that’s grown in popularity through the years.
“We originally had one court we tried back in 2015 that we put in because we were just hearing about pickleball and had a few members asking about it,” said Annie Onsgard, park program manager. “Things progressed and we heard more and more about pickleball.”
Today, three courts are designated solely for pickleball with two more on the multi-use court nearby where park goers play basketball. The two new courts sit where the fitness equipment used to be. Fitness machines are now located toward the front of the park across from the visitor’s center.
“If you build it they will come. It’s such a good cliche because we felt confident with the clinics and offering round robins and leagues that these courts would be popular,” Jannach said.
A push for additional courts came from a group of locals who came to a parks and rec advisory meeting to say that the park could use a few more.
“We looked at the park to see where we could build more courts and come up with a budget on how we were going to fund it,” said Maria Bagiotti, park director. “We came up with the idea of moving the fitness park to another area in the park and putting courts there.”
Costs for the pickleball complex project at Founders Park totaled about $70,000. The Monroe County Tourist Development Council fully funded the project that saw completion this spring.
While expressing excitement over new courts, Onsgard and Bagiotti say they’re also happy to see increased use of fitness equipment now located toward the entryway of the park.
“It’s a little more convenient for people with its location near the path,” Onsgard said. “And with COVID it’s really pushed people outside and into the parks. You can make it a whole workout.”
“People were like, ‘wow, I never knew there was a fitness park,” Bagiotti said. “We’re really happy how it came out.”
More pickleball courts means more opportunity to play. On Friday, Dec. 18, a Friday Night Lights Pickleball Round Robin event is set from 5 to 6:30 p.m. All levels are welcome. It’s $15 per person and space is limited. Pre-registration is required, so sign up at the Founders Park Office to reserve a spot. For more information, contact Jannach at 954-290-7502 or Pardinas at 305-761-8035.
Those looking to play other pickleball players can download the Team app on their Iphone or Android for free and search Islamorada Founders Park.
