News Summary
Collierville’s new pickleball courts at Suggs Park officially opened, quickly becoming popular among residents. The town is also introducing summer leagues and has launched Pickleball 901, an indoor facility featuring multiple courts, amenities, and free introduction clinics. With an upcoming tournament and a community-focused teaching initiative led by a local resident, pickleball is poised to thrive in Collierville.
Collierville, Tennessee – A ribbon-cutting event at Suggs Park marked the official opening of new pickleball courts in Collierville in 2024. The courts have quickly become popular among residents, bolstering the town’s commitment to enhancing its recreational offerings and promoting an active lifestyle.
The new courts are seeing heavy usage, with the community eager to engage in this rapidly growing sport. To add a competitive edge to the local pickleball scene, Collierville officials have announced the introduction of summer pickleball leagues, allowing players to compete against one another in a structured format. This initiative aims to further foster a sense of community around the sport while encouraging more residents to participate.
In addition to the outdoor courts at Suggs Park, Collierville has recently welcomed a new indoor pickleball facility known as Pickleball 901. This venue occupies the former location of Bed, Bath & Beyond at the Carriage Crossing mall and provides multiple courts divided by skill level, catering to a diverse range of players. The gym also features amenities such as ping-pong tables, foosball games, an arcade, and a “backyard” area equipped with large 75-inch televisions.
During its grand opening week, Pickleball 901 offered free open play sessions from 6:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m., allowing visitors to experience the facility without any cost. Additionally, the gym organized free clinics for beginners, helping new players learn the basics of the game. For those without their own equipment, paddle rentals were available for a nominal fee of $5.
The excitement around pickleball in Collierville doesn’t stop with the new facilities. An indoor tournament is scheduled for July 20 at Pickleball 901, further encouraging participation in the sport. After the grand opening, day passes will be priced at $12, with bundle options also being made accessible for regular attendees. The facility plans to announce more programming in the coming weeks to enhance the playing experience.
Collierville’s pickleball community is significantly shaped by local resident Don Gary, an 80-year-old former dentist who has dedicated his time to teaching the sport. Gary, who has been active in the community since 2010, began offering pickleball classes in 2018. He has taught around 600 individuals, with a majority being aged 50 and over. His lessons average between 175-200 players weekly at the Collierville Community Center, a reflection of his commitment to promoting health and well-being through outdoor activities.
The Linda Kerley Center also plays host to beginner lessons that draw in around 100 new players each year, showcasing the growing interest in pickleball as a recreational pursuit. For his contributions to the senior pickleball program, Gary received a certificate from Collierville Mayor Stan Joyner, further solidifying his role as a key figure in the local pickleball scene.
Through his teaching efforts, Gary inspires many seniors to improve their physical health and social engagement. With twelve classes each week at both the Collierville Community Center and the Linda Kerley Center, he is determined to make pickleball accessible to everyone. His students have praised his patience and positive reinforcement, highlighting his effectiveness as an instructor.
As Collierville embraces the pickleball trend with new facilities and organized leagues, the town is poised to become a hub for the sport in the region, presenting opportunities for players of all ages and skill levels to engage in this exciting and inclusive activity.
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Additional Resources
- Action News 5: Collierville-Based Company’s Pickleball Manufacturing
- Wikipedia: Pickleball
- Commercial Appeal: Pickleball Lessons for Seniors
- Google Search: Pickleball History
- WREG: Pickleball 901 Opens Indoor Facility in Collierville
- Google Scholar: Pickleball Health Benefits
- Fox 13: Pickleball 901 Opens in Collierville
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Pickleball
