The WER Joell Tennis Stadium is now home to brand new pickleball courts which will be officially open from today.

The Department of Youth, Sport and Recreation, in collaboration with the Pickleball Association of Bermuda announced the opening of the pristine courts at the tennis facility.

Pickleball has, over the years, enjoyed rapid growth in Bermuda and the new courts are meant to meet the growing demand for this stimulating sport.

To celebrate the opening of the new facility for the sport, a pickleball extravaganza is being held today. Open to the public, the exhibition will include a ribbon-cutting ceremony, a demonstration of pickleball techniques by elite players, open-play events, and attendees being given an opportunity to try their hand at the sport.

Students from Bermuda’s public and private schools, who have adopted pickleball sessions into their curriculums, will feature in the event.

Designed to provide a state-of-the-art facility for players of all skill levels and ages to enjoy, the four new regular-sized courts will offer access to those who want take up the game.

High-quality materials have been used to make the new courts to provide excellent playing conditions and to withstand the Bermuda climate.

“We are thrilled to offer this new facility to our community and visitors,” said Owen Darrell, the Minister of Youth, Culture and Sport

“Pickleball is a fun and accessible sport that can be enjoyed by all ages, and we look forward to seeing the courts used by players of all levels.

“We invite everyone to come out and celebrate the grand opening with us.”

Pickleball Association of Bermuda president Matt Dragonett thanked the Government for the investment in the new facilities for the sport.

“The Pickleball Association of Bermuda, which has been wildly active as a response to the rapid uptake of the sport here, are striving to make participation in pickleball a shining example of the positive impact sports can have on individuals and communities,” he said.

“We appreciate the Government’s investment in these new public courts and anticipate that they will be used extensively.”

Pickleball is a paddle sport that combines elements of badminton, tennis and table tennis. It is played on a court that is about quarter the size of a tennis court.