KAUKAUNA — Just in time for the weekend, La Follette Park’s new pickleball courts are now open, the park and rec department announced.
Unsure how to play? The new courts feature signage with game rules, along with shaded tables for when you’re ready to take a break.
Check them out this weekend with some friends and stop by for the official ribbon cutting on Thursday June 12, 2025 at 11a.m.
Pickleball, a quirky blend of tennis, badminton, and ping-pong, has officially cemented its status as America’s fastest-growing sport for the fourth consecutive year, boasting nearly 20 million participants in 2024.
This explosive growth, a staggering 311% increase over the past three years, is attributed to a unique combination of accessibility, social appeal, and a gentle learning curve.
Unlike many sports requiring significant athleticism or specialized training, pickleball is remarkably easy to pick up. Players of all ages and fitness levels can quickly grasp the basics and enjoy a competitive, yet social, game.
The sport’s popularity is also fueling a construction boom, with an estimated 130 new pickleball court locations being added monthly.
While initially embraced by older demographics, recent statistics reveal a significant surge in younger players, with the 18-34 age group now representing the largest segment of participants.
This intergenerational appeal, combined with its inherent social nature, positions pickleball not just as a game, but as a vibrant community activity.
As courts continue to pop up in parks like Kaukauna, pickleball’s meteoric rise shows no signs of slowing down.
