Pop-Up Pickleball Coming To Downtown Northbrook

NORTHBROOK, IL — Though it has been around since 1965, the popularity of pickleball has increased drastically in recent years. According to a March BBC News article, the number of Americans who have started this sport increased by 21.3 percent in 2020.

While the Village already houses several courts, Northbrook is set to get even more in on the craze with two pop-up pickleball courts opening Friday in the downtown area. Two pickleball courts will be striped out in the commuter parking lot between the Metra tracks and St. Norbert’s parking lot, on the south side of Walters Avenue, according to a news release.

The Village and Park District have developed this new opportunity for the community to encourage people to visit the downtown area and enjoy this increasingly popular paddle sport. After a game, village officials are hoping players will stop in for a bite to eat or a refreshing treat in one of Northbrook’s many downtown establishments.

From June 18 through Labor Day weekend, the courts will be available from 3 p.m. Friday through Sunday at dusk. The courts will also be open on the July 5 and September 6 holiday Mondays. Play will be offered on a walk-on basis.

Free equipment rental is available at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive. Payment of a $25 deposit is required for each paddle and three balls. The deposit will be refunded upon timely return of the equipment in good condition.

In addition to this new weekend opportunity, Northbrook Park District offers pickleball courts in several park locations. Six new dedicated pickleball courts were built at Stonegate Park, 3435 Whirlaway Drive, in 2019. Additionally, pickleball can be played at tennis courts with lines added for pickleball at Crestwood Park, 1824 Milton Avenue, Williamsburg Square Park, 200 Lee Road, Wood Oaks Green Park, 1150 Sanders Road and indoor pickleball is available at Techny Prairie Activity Center, 180 Anets Drive. The Park District also offers a variety of pickleball classes, clinics and leagues; visit nbparks.org for more information.

Pickleball combines elements of tennis, badminton and ping-pong and is one of the fastest growing sports in the country. Today, there are more than 2.5 million pickleball players in the U.S., according to the USA Pickleball Association.

For more information about Pop-Up Pickleball in Downtown Northbrook, visit
northbrook.il.us/pickleball.