Keeping Players Cool: The Critical Role of Shade Structures in Pickleball’s Rise

Pickleball is more than just a fleeting trend. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, pickleball participation increased by 51.8% from 2022 to 2023 and by 223.5% over the last three years, with increased participation from every age group.  As a result, the demand for new courts is skyrocketing, with cities, park systems, and private developers working to build facilities catering to both recreational players and elite competitors. However, one major factor is essential to these outdoor spaces’ long-term success and usability: protection from extreme heat.  The trend of courts with shade structures reflects an industry-wide shift toward more innovative and safer designs. aces’ long-term success and usability: protection from extreme heat.Shade Structures Play A Critical Role In The Rise Of Pickleball