How Popular is Pickleball in Colorado? A Look at The Sport’s Growth, Challenges, & Hotspots
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in the U.S., drawing players of all ages (not just seniors!) with its easy-to-learn rules and social appeal. In Colorado, the sport is booming as cities race to add new courts and meet skyrocketing demand.
Key reasons for pickleball’s growth in Colorado:
- Active communities are embracing the sport
- New courts being developed in Colorado cities
- Rising participation from both casual and competitive players
Here’s why pickleball is quickly becoming one of the most popular sports in Longmont and across the state:
The Growth of Pickleball in Colorado
Pickleball is experiencing unprecedented growth in Colorado, attracting players of all ages and skill levels. The sport’s popularity has led to:
- More public courts across major cities
- Increased participation in leagues and recreational play
- Higher demand for pickleball-specific facilities
According to the Trust for Public Land, the number of public pickleball courts has surged, yet demand continues to outpace availability. As more people discover the sport’s accessibility and social nature, local governments and private organizations are working to expand facilities across the state.
Cities Investing in Pickleball Infrastructure
To accommodate rising interest, cities around Longmont are rapidly expanding pickleball infrastructure:
| City | Investment in Pickleball |
| Denver | Adding new courts at Martin Luther King Jr. Park |
| Wheat Ridge | Opened Colorado’s largest indoor pickleball facility |
| Windsor | Proposed new indoor courts |
| Arvada & Littleton | Leading in community engagement and training |
With these investments, Colorado is solidifying its place as a pickleball hotspot.
Top Pickleball Cities in Colorado
Denver
Denver is at the center of Colorado’s pickleball boom, offering a mix of indoor and outdoor courts. With 66 indoor courts spread across city recreation centers, players have year-round access to the sport. Despite the growing demand, space remains an issue, leading to proposals for new indoor facilities. Parks and recreation officials are working on solutions to accommodate Denver’s expanding pickleball community.
Arvada – The Pickleball Capital of Colorado
Arvada stands out as Colorado’s top pickleball city, boasting the highest number of coaches and lessons. The Apex Simms Street Rec Center is a major hub, featuring 26 courts, including 24 outdoor and 2 indoor courts. This facility is open to all skill levels, making it an ideal location for both casual play and competitive training.
Colorado Springs
Colorado Springs has rapidly become a pickleball destination, ranking 36th nationally with 6.3 courts per 100,000 people. Several public parks and recreation centers support the sport’s growth, and local officials are expanding facilities to meet increasing demand. The city’s active lifestyle culture makes it a natural fit for pickleball’s rising popularity.
Where to Play Pickleball in Longmont
Public Pickleball Courts in Longmont
Longmont offers several public pickleball courts, making it easy for residents to enjoy the game. Many locations have designated pickleball play times, ensuring fair access for all skill levels.
- Clark Centennial Park: Features dedicated outdoor courts, ideal for casual and competitive play.
- Sandstone Ranch Park: Offers multi-use courts, allowing both tennis and pickleball.
- Longmont Recreation Center: Provides indoor courts, ensuring year-round access regardless of weather.
These public courts are open to all players and serve as gathering spots for local pickleball enthusiasts.
Private & Club Pickleball Facilities
For those looking for club-style play or structured leagues, Longmont has several private options:
- Longmont Tennis Association: Hosts pickleball leagues, tournaments, and events throughout the year.
- Fitness Centers: Some private gyms offer indoor courts, ideal for training and structured play.
- Community Groups: Regular meetups and social play sessions connect players of all levels.
With a mix of public and private courts, Longmont is a great place for pickleball enthusiasts to play and improve their game.
Challenges Facing Pickleball in Colorado
Noise Complaints & Legal Restrictions
As pickleball grows, noise concerns have become a major challenge to the construction of new courts. The distinctive pop sound of the ball hitting paddles at outdoor courts has led to complaints from residents.
- Congress Park courts in Denver were shut down due to excessive noise concerns from neighbors.
- Glendale officials proposed banning temporary pickleball markings on tennis courts to prevent conflicts.
- Some cities are considering noise barriers or court relocation to address ongoing disputes.
While cities recognize pickleball’s popularity, they must also balance the needs of nearby residents and other sports.
Limited Public Court Availability
Despite high demand, public courts remain limited, creating frustration for players:
- Denver ranks 57th in the U.S. for courts per capita, highlighting the shortage.
- Centennial placed a moratorium on new outdoor courts to evaluate noise and space concerns.
- Many city parks struggle to keep up with growing participation, leading to long wait times.
For all its popularity, many pickleball players still struggle to find available courts to play on.
Pickleball’s Growing Impact in Colorado
Overall, pickleball is booming in Colorado, with cities investing in new courts and communities embracing the sport. Despite noise concerns and limited public courts, demand continues to rise.
- More courts are being built statewide.
- Players of all ages are joining the movement.
- Cities are adapting to meet demand.
Pickleball’s future in Colorado looks strong and promising.
FAQs on Pickleball in Colorado
Where can I play pickleball in Longmont?
Longmont has several public parks and recreation centers that offer pickleball courts, including:
- Clark Centennial Park – Outdoor courts for casual play
- Sandstone Ranch Park – Multi-use courts for tennis and pickleball
- Longmont Recreation Center – Indoor courts available year-round
What are the best cities in Colorado for pickleball?
The top cities for pickleball in Colorado are:
- Arvada – High concentration of coaches and lessons
- Littleton – Community-driven growth and engagement
- Denver – Urban pickleball scene with extensive indoor courts
- Colorado Springs – Rapidly growing pickleball hub
How many people in Colorado play pickleball?
An estimated 30,000 Coloradans actively play pickleball, with numbers increasing.
Are new pickleball courts being built in Colorado?
Yes, most cities along the Front Range are building new pickleball courts, driven by municipal investment and pickleball clubs looking to expand facilities.
