|
Getting your Trinity Audio player ready...
|
The Palmetto Bay Village Council, during its regular meeting on Monday, July 7, voted to establish an indoor pickleball court. Last year, the village conducted its inaugural Pickleball Tournament on an outdoor court.
Mayor Karyn Cunningham was pleased to announce the news.
“I am excited to share that at Monday night’s village council meeting, two key items were passed that pave the way for the development of Palmetto Bay’s very first indoor pickleball facility by a 3-2 vote of the council,” Mayor Cunningham said.
In item 14A the village manager was authorized to begin contract negotiations and enter into a contract with Diadem Sports LLC. In item 14B the village manager was authorized to negotiate and enter into a contract with Waypoint Contracting Inc. for the design, build services and construction of the new Pickleball Center.
“This project reflects our continued commitment to providing inclusive, year-round recreational opportunities for residents of all ages,” Mayor Cunningham said. “Pickleball has rapidly grown in popularity, and this indoor space will ensure our community can stay active rain or shine — without leaving the Village.
“Thank you for your continued support as we invest in recreation, wellness and green spaces to enhance community connection and gathering. Your engagement will be vital as we move into the next phases of design and implementation. We look forward to working together to create a state-of-the-art facility that enhances quality of life and strengthens our vibrant community.”
The new indoor pickleball facility will be built on a village-owned vacant parcel (folio no. 33-5033-000-0862). The item had been sponsored by administration and prepared by procurement specialist Alessia Bencomo. It was deferred from the regular council meeting of June 2.
The items passed by a 3 to 2 vote with the dissenting votes by Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer and Councilmember Marsha Matson.
Funding for the project was sponsored by the administration and prepared by Parks and Recreation director Fanny Carmona. That passed, also by a 3 to 2 vote with Vice Mayor Mark Merwitzer and Councilmember Marsha Matson casting “no” votes.
Pickleball is a racket or paddle sport put together from a combination of things. Played indoors and outdoors, it was invented in 1965 as a children’s backyard game in the United States on Bainbridge Island in Washington state at the summer home of Joel Pritchard, who later served in the U.S. Congres and was Washington’s lieutenant governor. Pritchard and two of his friends, Barney McCallum and Bill Bell, are credited with devising the game and establishing the rules.
According to Joan Pritchard, Joel’s wife, “The name of the game became Pickle Ball after I said it reminded me of the pickle boat in crew where oarsmen were chosen from the leftovers of other boats.” Similarly, the game of pickleball was created from leftover equipment from several sports: a badminton court, paddleball paddles, a wiffle ball and a net height like that of tennis.
For four years in a row the sport was named the fastest-growing sport in the United States by the Sports and Fitness Industry Association. By 2024, it was estimated there were 19.8 million participants in the United States, a 311 percent growth since 2021. Two or four players can participate in singles, doubles or mixed doubles tournaments.
ABOUT US:
For more Miami community news, look no further than Miami Community Newspapers. This Miami online group of newspapers covers a variety of topics about the local community and beyond. Miami’s Community Newspapers offers daily news, online resources, podcasts and other multimedia content to keep readers informed. With topics ranging from local news to community events, Miami’s Community Newspapers is the ideal source for staying up to date with the latest news and happenings in the area.
This family-owned media company publishes more than a dozen neighborhood publications, magazines, special sections on their websites, newsletters, as well as distributing them in print throughout Miami Dade County from Aventura, Sunny Isles Beach, Miami Beach, Coral Gables, Brickell, Coconut Grove, Pinecrest, South Miami, Kendall, Palmetto Bay, Cutler Bay and Homestead. Each online publication and print editions provide comprehensive coverage of local news, events, business updates, lifestyle features, and local initiatives within its respective community.
Additionally, the newspaper has exclusive Miami community podcasts, providing listeners with an in-depth look into Miami’s culture. Whether you’re looking for local Miami news, or podcasts, Miami’s Community Newspapers has you covered. For more information, be sure to check out: https://communitynewspapers.com.
If you have any questions, feel free to email Michael@communitynewspapers.com or Grant@communitynewspapers.com.
