Pickleball In Peachtree City: Too Much Of A Good Thing?

Pickleball has exploded in popularity nationwide, growing from a niche sport into a mainstream recreational activity. According to the Association of Pickleball Professionals, an estimated 48.3 million Americans played pickleball in 2023, firmly establishing it as the fastest-growing sport in the country.

Peachtree City has fully embraced this trend. The PTC-Fayette Pickleball Club, which offers beginner clinics, social events, charitable tournaments, and regular group play, now boasts over 750 active members. 

It’s easy to see why pickleball has thrived. The game is simple enough for beginners but has just enough strategy to keep it interesting. It’s social, it’s active, and let’s be honest—there’s something deeply satisfying about that little “pop” when the ball hits the paddle. 

“Once people try playing pickleball, they seldom quit,” says Loyd Smith, president of the PTC-Fayette Pickleball Club. “It’s an inclusive sport, where everyone is welcome and encouraged to play.”

But with the rapid expansion of pickleball in Peachtree City, an important question arises: Are we about to have too much of a good thing?

Let’s consider both answers.

Yes, It’s Too Much Of A Good Thing

Oversaturation Of Facilities

Pickleball’s rapid rise in popularity has led to a significant expansion of courts across Peachtree City with both public and private entities investing heavily in new facilities. While the goal is to meet demand, it’s natural to question whether we are reaching the point of oversaturation.

Currently, Peachtree City operates two public locations with dedicated pickleball courts. The Braelinn Recreation Complex features six outdoor courts, but play is limited to daylight hours without lighting. At the Kedron Field House, players have access to four indoor courts with permanent lines and portable nets, as well as restrooms and water stations. These facilities have been well-utilized, leading the city to include a new pickleball complex at Rockaway Road in its 2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan to further expand availability.

Beyond city-funded courts, private investment in pickleball is also accelerating. Flat Creek Country Club offers pickleball courts to its members, though access requires membership fees. 

Meanwhile, two major indoor facilities are set to redefine the city’s recreational landscape.

Ace Pickleball Club, currently set to open in the former K-Mart location within the Braelinn Village Shopping Center, is expected to feature multiple indoor courts designed for both casual and competitive play. The facility will also offer leagues, tournaments, clinics, a pro shop, and lounge areas. Though its opening date has yet to be announced, it is expected to become a major pickleball destination.

Additionally, Let’s Go Pickleball, which is currently under construction at Highway 74 and MOBA Drive, is set to expand the city’s pickleball footprint even further. This 53,000-square-foot indoor facility will feature 20 cushioned courts, locker rooms, a pro shop, food options, event spaces, and a dedicated training center.

That’s a lot of pickleball. If participation declines, these facilities could become costly, underutilized assets.

However, Smith disagrees with the idea that Peachtree City is at risk of having too many courts. “We are losing the Braelinn courts, and with more youth playing pickleball, we need more places to play,” he explains. “Private pickleball clubs are also desirable because they offer indoor, year-round play, lessons, and leagues. It’s a win for our community.”

Pickleball Investment Limits Opportunities In Other Activities

Former city manager Jon Rorie often reminded residents, “You can only spend a dollar once.” 

When Peachtree City moves forward with its 2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan, a significant portion of resources will be allocated to the expansion of pickleball facilities. However, pickleball is just one of many recreational needs in the city, and prioritizing it too heavily raises concerns that other community amenities may be overlooked.

Many residents rely on basketball courts, soccer fields, nature trails, playgrounds, and general-use public spaces for recreation. If an outsized portion of city funds is directed toward new pickleball courts—especially if demand eventually levels off—there’s a risk of missing opportunities to invest in facilities that serve a broader range of interests.

No, It’s Not Too Much Of A Good Thing

Pickleball Is Still Growing

Data suggests that pickleball’s popularity is far from slowing down. According to the 2024 State of Pickleball: Participation & Infrastructure Report published by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association (SFIA) and Pickleheads, pickleball has been the fastest-growing sport in America, achieving an astonishing 223.5% increase in players between 2021 and 2023.

One of the biggest reasons for this surge in participation is that pickleball bridges generational gaps. Unlike high-impact sports that require extensive training or athletic ability, pickleball is accessible to seniors, adults, and younger players alike.

Pickleball Creates “Third Places”

Sociologists emphasize the importance of “third places”—social environments outside of home and work where people can gather, connect, and build relationships. Pickleball courts are more than just playing surfaces; they serve as hubs that bring people together and strengthen our community.

Smith can attest to this. “When I moved to Peachtree City five years ago, the only people I knew were my son and his family. Pickleball changed that,” he shares. “Now, I go to the courts and know everyone there. It builds friendships beyond the game itself.”

More Pickleball Could Boost Our Economy

Tournaments and leagues bring in players from across the region and beyond, boosting business for hotels, restaurants, and local shops. This influx of visitors doesn’t just support businesses directly involved in the sport—it provides a lift to the entire local economy, benefiting everyone from small retailers to service industries.

The arrival of privately funded facilities, such as Let’s Go Pickleball and Ace Pickleball Club, adds another layer of economic growth without relying on taxpayer dollars. By creating jobs and attracting visitors, these businesses further establish Peachtree City as a premier pickleball destination.

Additionally, as the pickleball industry itself expands, demand continues to grow for equipment sales, private lessons, and organized events. Local sporting goods stores, trainers, and event organizers all benefit from this demand and make pickleball a valuable economic asset in addition to a recreational one.

New Courts Will Reduce Pickleball’s Impact On Neighborhoods

One of the most common complaints about pickleball is the sound made when the ball hits the paddle. Unlike tennis or basketball, where softer balls and court layouts help absorb noise, pickleball’s lightweight plastic ball and solid paddles produce a higher-frequency sound that travels farther. Studies on pickleball noise pollution suggest that the sound can carry up to 500 feet or more, depending on factors like wind, humidity, and nearby structures. Even at 100 feet, the impact noise can still register at 70-80 decibels, comparable to a loud conversation or a passing car at 25 feet.

In Peachtree City, this has already sparked tensions between residents and players. Homeowners in The Retreat, a subdivision next to the Braelinn Recreation Complex, have repeatedly voiced concerns to city officials, arguing that the constant noise from the complex’s courts disrupt their daily lives and affects their quality of life.

The city has acknowledged the issue, and the 2025 Parks & Recreation Master Plan includes a proposed solution: removing the Braelinn courts and relocating play to a new dedicated pickleball facility at Rockaway Road.

Smith fully supports the potential move. “The city absolutely needs to relocate the pickleball courts away from residential areas,” he says. “The complaints about noise are valid and must be addressed. The Rockaway site is an ideal location because it keeps courts near other recreational areas while avoiding residential conflicts.”

What Do You Think?

With pickleball’s expansion showing no signs of stopping, we face an important question: Is the city making a smart investment in its growing pickleball scene, or is it at risk of overcommitting resources to a single sport?

Personally, I’m excited to see two private businesses bringing new pickleball facilities to Peachtree City. But I also believe we should first see how Ace Pickleball Club and Let’s Go Pickleball meet our demand before we invest in an expensive taxpayer-funded complex.

You can share your thoughts in the comments or by emailing City Council at citycouncil@peachtree-city.org.

Finally, if you have any suggestions on what topics to explore in the future, feel free to email me at kenneth@thecitizen.com. I’d love to hear your thoughts!