A dedicated indoor pickleball venue is set to emerge in South Burlington, Vermont, responding to the burgeoning statewide fascination with pickleball.
Richard Schaff, the founder of Catamount Pickleball, affirmed that “The facility will be the first of its kind in Vermont.”
Seven Indoor Courts
This 15,000-square-foot climate-controlled establishment boasts seven indoor courts along with a warm-up kitchen.
Distinguished by its SportMaster™ Semi-Cushioned Play Surfaces and Brite Court™ Premium LED Lighting, Catamount Pickleball promises a premium playing experience. The innovative facility also facilitates seamless scheduling and reservations through the CourtReserve™ Scheduling App and Online Reservations.
This addition to South Burlington’s recreational landscape reflects the growing popularity and demand for pickleball, providing enthusiasts with a dedicated space equipped with cutting-edge amenities for year-round enjoyment.
Catamount Pickleball’s commitment to comfort, quality surfaces, and advanced technology will position it as a premier destination for pickleball enthusiasts in the region.
“We Fell In Love With The Game”
Schaff spoke enthusiastically about joining the ranks of the latest hubs in the region, telling Adrian Pastor of NBC5, “Our pickleball journey started during COVID. We immediately fell in love with the game, and our older son became very serious about the sport and played in college. Through his interest and our own interest, that was really the seed of this idea.”
“Our goal in designing this space is to include as many desirable features as possible while keeping it accessible to the community,” he added.
The Edge Sports & Fitness in South Burlington opened its pickleball courts in 2019. According to Mike Feitelberg, CEO at The Edge Sports & Fitness, pickleball caters to people of all skill levels and fitness capacities:
“It lends to all people of all skills and fitness levels, and it’s fun… it’s just a wide range of people who are participating, and that’s what makes it so great.”
Significant Popularity
Over the last five years, the sport has gained significant popularity in Vermont, attracting players of all ages and abilities from different parts of the state.
Julia Weaver, inspired by an 80-year-old dedicated pickleball player in Colchester, shared her initiation into the sport, expressing:
“A very close friend of mine in Colchester, a very dedicated pickleball player —she’s now in her 80s — got me started. I watched her play and said, ‘If she can do it, I can do it.'”
Both Social And Fiercely Competitive
While pickleball accommodates recreational players, experts highlight its potential for high-level competition. Jeanie Hursen, Director of Pickleball at The Edge, emphasized the dual nature of the game as both social and fiercely competitive:
“It’s a social game, and it’s great but it’s also a very competitive game, so there’s a lot of pathways for competition, social competition, and high-end competition.”
Organizers are optimistic about the growth of pickleball with the introduction of new courts, anticipating increased participation from seasoned athletes and newcomers alike.
“It’s Too Much Fun”
Mike Feitelberg affirmed The Edge’s commitment to expanding the game in Vermont, revealing other plans for the facility:
“We’re converting to outdoor pickleball for this spring, and we’re looking to do a lot more in the future. I’d say The Edge is very committed to growing the game in Vermont,” he said.
With pickleball rapidly gaining popularity in the region and nationwide, it appears that this craze is firmly establishing its presence in Vermont. As Julia Weaver aptly summarized, “You can’t make enemies playing pickleball. It’s too much fun.”
Contact Details
You can follow the latest developments on Catamount Pickleball’s website or by going to their social media pages on Facebook and Instagram.
