By Darren Dunn & Lizz Daniels
Photos by Lizz Daniels & Jarred Kindles
Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the nation. Don’t believe us? Drive past the city of Seguin Pickleball Courts across from the Saegert campus on Mountain Street, and you’ll see just how popular this game has become. It’s a game that can be played by just about anyone, which is why it’s attracting families, senior citizens, and just about anyone who wants to get a little exercise outside.
Seguin Parks and Recreation Director, Jack Jones, provided some insight into the local pickleball scene and explained why the sport was such a good fit for the city.
“What’s making pickleball such a great fit for Seguin is those who have been sharing their love and knowledge of pickleball to promote and grow the sport here in our community,” Jones said. “They have been volunteering their time, talent and resources to others wanting to join in on the fun. I have heard so many good things about the courts being a great place to meet new friends and share a laugh or two. The courts are bringing not only families together, but also the community.”
Part of that community is comprised of local certified instructors as well as pickleball ambassadors online. One of his favorite local spotsfor pickleball gear and knowledge is Pecan City Disc Golf. While the shop primarily focuses on disc golf, owner Jericho Lomas is familiar with pickleball and keeps equipment that is USAPA tournament-approved in stock, so residents don’t have to travel for gear.
Since the city of Seguin invested heavily in its pickleball courts, they regularly draw in local players and folks from out-of-town who are looking for a nice place to play.
Here in town, players tend to prefer the evening, with paddles clacking long after sunset and shoes squeaking across the courts.
“Monday’s and Thursday’s after 6:30 p.m. appear to be our busiest times. There is also a group of ladies that play on Tuesday mornings,” he said. “Families are there as well on Saturday mornings. Texan Lutheran University has some of their students out there Tuesdays/Thursdays from 2:30-3:30pm. Courts are available for open play 8 a.m. to 10pm daily. Overall, in the evenings alone, the courts see about 50-60 players a night and the extreme heat/cold does not scare anyone away! There is rarely a time I drive by, and the courts are not in use. The courts are getting a lot of traffic from those of all ages and abilities.”
According to a 2023 report from the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, approximately nine million people played pickleball in 2022, which marked a stunning 159 percent increase in participation over just a three-year period.
The Seguin Parks and Recreation Department offers spring and fall leagues for adults, which are open for everyone with categories from beginner to advanced. Jones is excited about what the Parks and Recreation Department has planned for the rest of the year.
“We have adult clinics for those wanting to learn to play this fall,” he said. “In addition, we also offer Youth Clinics- Learn to Play Clinics in Spring and Fall as well as Youth Camps- Beginners Camp this June and Advanced Camp this Fall.”
So, as days stretch into golden evenings this summer, look to find plenty of locals at the Seguin Pickleball Courts where Seguin is at the forefront of this nationwide sports trend.
