While platform or “paddle” tennis experienced a surge in popularity, akin to other outdoor activities, during the pandemic, Parks officials in New Canaan, Connecticut, have reported a notable decrease in the issuance of permits.

Parks and Recreation Director John Howe attributed this decline to a growing preference for pickleball. Speaking during a regular meeting of the Parks & Recreation Commission, Howe acknowledged a significant drop in paddle tennis permit sales over the past two years.

“Pickleball Has Taken Over”

“Unfortunately, this year and last year, our [paddle] permit sales are way down,” Howe told members of the Parks & Recreation Commission during their regular meeting, held Wednesday night via videoconference at Lapham Community Center, New Canaan, Connecticut.

“We’re not seeing the same usage that we had in the past,” Howe told Michael Dinan of The New Canaanite. “We think a lot of it is, while the [paddle] numbers are down, pickleball has taken over. And with us having basically nice weather, it seems that people are still playing pickleball more than they’re playing paddle.”

Budget Insights

These insights were shared during an update on the Parks & Rec budget request for the fiscal year 2025. Howe mentioned the removal of a $140,000 capital line item designated for an additional paddle tennis court at Waveny.

“We want to evaluate it,” he explained. “We want to make sure that we don’t put in something that we really don’t need.”

Highlighting the challenge of seeking resources for facilities with declining membership numbers, Howe emphasized, “It’s hard for us to ask for something that doesn’t show the membership numbers that it’s needed. We’re just not having the members.”

Five New Courts In 2021

To accommodate the rising demand for pickleball, the town installed five new courts at Mead Park in the summer of 2021, with subsequent improvements to the parking lot and surrounding areas. 

Commissioner Keith Richey mentioned surplus demand for paddle tennis only during specific hours, and Howe noted a decline in weekend afternoon use. He said during the meeting that with the unseasonably warm winter, many people “are still playing pickleball more than they’re playing paddle.”

Commissioner Keith Richey said he would play paddle three times per week and that the only time there was surplus demand was about 8 to 11 a.m.

“After that, there’s always empty courts,” Richey said.

Decline In Paddle Tennis Court Use

Howe said that weekend afternoon use of the paddle tennis courts has also declined.

“They used to be very busy, and it’s just, there are people playing still—don’t get me wrong, I’m not saying we’re taking out paddle courts by any means— but to put another court in, right now, it just doesn’t work,” he said. “It doesn’t seem to make sense.”

“Not A Flash In The Pan”

Despite the current trend, Howe expressed caution about adding another paddle tennis court, stating, “It doesn’t seem to make sense right now.” He acknowledged pickleball’s sustained popularity, emphasizing, “It’s still taking off. It doesn’t seem like it’s going anywhere right now. It’s not a flash in the pan where it’s going to be over.”

Commissioner Lindsey Heron highlighted the consistent occupancy of pickleball courts and inquired about the popularity of paddle tennis leagues. Howe responded, noting a decline in popularity, primarily reflected in the decrease in permit holders.