Pickleball Fever Hits Cary: National Tournament Draws Hundreds to Cary Tennis Park
Pickleball’s explosive growth in Cary hit a fever pitch as hundreds flocked to Cary Tennis Park for a national tournament. The event, spearheaded by local ambassador Mike Walsh, showcased the sport’s evolution beyond its retirement-community stereotype. With players maintaining heart rates between 137-150 BPM, this tennis-badminton hybrid is no leisurely activity. While court shortages persist, Cary’s response includes plans for 30 more courts – a clear sign this pickleball craze isn’t slowing down.
Every day, hundreds of Cary residents are catching pickleball fever – and there’s no cure in sight. The sport has exploded across Western Wake, with local meetup groups boasting over 700 members who can’t seem to get enough of this tennis-badminton hybrid.
Who knew whacking a plastic ball with an oversized paddle could be so addictive? Heart rate monitoring during games shows players maintain healthy cardiovascular levels between 137-150 beats per minute.
It’s amazing how a simple game with a funny name became Cary’s newest obsession – one paddle swing at a time.
The numbers don’t lie. Nationwide, 48.3 million players are hitting the courts, marking a staggering 35% increase since last August. And forget what you thought about pickleball being just for retirees – the average player is actually 34 years old, with more than 70% of frequent players falling between 18 and 44. Players have even pushed for 30 additional courts at Cary Tennis Park during recent Town Council discussions.
So much for those “senior citizen sport” jokes.
The sport gained massive momentum when free clinics at the Morrisville Aquatics Fitness Center introduced new players to the game.
Cary’s becoming a legitimate pickleball hotspot, but there’s just one tiny problem: not enough courts. Players are literally crossing town borders in search of places to play.
Sure, there are courts at Ed Yerha Park, Carpenter Park, and Walnut Street Park, but try getting court time during peak hours. Good luck with that.
The town’s not completely dropping the ball, though. They’re adding lights at existing courts and planning six new ones at McCrimmon Park.
Indoor options exist at Bond Park and other community centers, but you’ll need reservations – and your wallet. Private spots like Life Time – Cary and Northwest YMCA offer relief for members willing to pay up.
Tournament action is heating up too. Mike Walsh, Cary’s local pickleball ambassador, kicked off the town’s maiden tournament, and recently Anna Leigh Waters claimed her 100th career title right here in Cary.
These events aren’t just about bragging rights – similar tournaments in other cities have generated over $1 million in economic impact.
The fever’s spreading fast, and Cary’s caught in the epidemic. With more courts coming and tournaments growing, this pickle-themed addiction shows no signs of slowing down.
Better grab a paddle and join the craze – resistance is futile.
