Pickleball has quickly become one of the fastest growing sports in Lake Oswego. Courts around town are often packed with players of all ages, from teenage friend groups creating a tournament to retired adults who play several times a week. What started as a small recreational activity has turned into a major part of our local sports community.
As interest in the sport has increased, the city has worked to add more places for people to play. Existing tennis courts at parks such as George Rogers Park were converted into pickleball courts to meet the growing demand, and more indoor options have appeared nearby as well.
One of the newest additions to the local pickleball scene is Pickleball Kingdom Tigard, an indoor facility located just outside Lake Oswego. Indoor facilities like this have helped give players more opportunities to play year-round, especially during our rainy months.
“Every month we’re seeing more people come in wanting to learn the game,” said Jason Miller, a worker at Pickleball Kingdom on Southwest 72nd Avenue. “What surprises me most is how many younger players are joining now. A few years ago it was mostly older adults, but today we see families, high school students and even middle school kids showing up on bikes and playing together.”
However, not everyone is thrilled with pickleball’s rapid growth. Some neighbors living near the new courts have complained about the loud “popping” sound created when paddles hit the plastic ball. The noise has become a growing issue in many communities across the country, including our Lake Oswego, where residents near public courts like George Rogers Park and Westlake Park have pushed for sound barriers and limited playing hours. The city has already discussed possible noise reduction options for future courts.
Even with the complaints, pickleball’s popularity shows no signs of slowing down. According to national sports participation reports, younger players are becoming one of the fastest growing groups in the sport, although adults and retirees still make up the majority of players nationwide. Many local courts now regularly host mixed-age games where teenagers play alongside parents and grandparents.
Whether people love it or hate the noise, pickleball has clearly become a major part of Lake Oswego’s recreational culture; now it’s just about how far it expands.
