Pickleball enthusiasts in Dubuque, Iowa, now have a dedicated space to enjoy their favorite sport, thanks to the recent addition of eight indoor courts at the Five Flags Center. The center held an open house event on Saturday, inviting community members to explore these new facilities and engage in some friendly competition. This expansion comes at a time when the popularity of pickleball is surging, with players of all skill levels eager to participate.
Trish Kennedy, a passionate pickleball player, highlighted the remarkable growth of the sport in Dubuque. “The community has seen an explosion of interest in pickleball,” she noted. “We now have a diverse range of players, from beginners to advanced levels.” However, this rising popularity has led to a shortage of available courts. Many players find themselves waiting for up to an hour at local parks like Veterans Memorial Park and Cloie Park, with nearby Peosta also reaching capacity. This situation underscores the need for more dedicated spaces for play.
As winter approaches, the demand for indoor facilities becomes even more pressing. Aaron Rainey, the general manager of Five Flags Center, recognized this gap after hearing from his own family members about the challenges of finding indoor playtime during the colder months. “They mentioned that options for indoor pickleball in Dubuque are quite limited,” Rainey explained. “That’s when I thought of utilizing the large open space we have to create these new courts.” His initiative has resulted in a valuable resource for the community, ensuring that pickleball players will have a place to play year-round.
The newly established courts at Five Flags Center not only provide a venue for casual play but also allow players to reserve time for organized matches. Players can book a court for $25 an hour or take advantage of complimentary playing times. Kennedy expressed her excitement about this development, stating, “Having a dedicated location will enable us to schedule games regularly. We’ll no longer be relying on luck to find an available court.”
Overall, the introduction of these eight pickleball courts marks a significant step forward for the sport in Dubuque. With improved access to facilities, players can look forward to enjoying their games more consistently, fostering both community engagement and personal skill development in this rapidly growing sport.