Eric Peterson opened the meeting by sharing his personal journey transitioning from tennis to pickleball due to its low-impact nature, which is especially appealing to older adults. He noted that pickleball has become the fastest-growing sport in the United States, citing its origins as a family pastime in 1965. Peterson emphasized the sport’s inclusivity and social nature, stating, “It’s common for three generations to play,” underscoring its ability to foster community interaction across age groups. He spoke about the sport’s structure, which includes organized drop-in play, allowing individuals to participate without extensive coordination.

Peterson pointed out the increasing demand for pickleball facilities, citing nearby communities like Cross Lake, where courts are heavily utilized. He mentioned that “there’s more demand than there is playing area,” suggesting an urgent need for additional courts in Breezy Point. Communities such as Baxter have successfully implemented dual-purpose courts for both tennis and pickleball, maximizing existing facilities. Peterson expressed interest in enhancing local offerings, investigating designs and funding opportunities. He provided examples of municipalities raising funds quickly, noting, “when they decide they want to build… they raised the money in 30 days.”

The board engaged in discussions on the financial and logistical aspects of maintaining pickleball courts. Approximately $5,000 annually was cited for court maintenance, covering painting and striping costs. Generating revenue through community activities poses challenges, leading to considerations of membership fees like those in Cross Lake and Crosby. The concept of “Prime Time drop-in” was introduced, prioritizing paying members during designated hours while allowing community participation at other times.

As pickleball’s popularity grows rapidly, with 48.3 million players in the U.S. and a 223% growth rate over three years, the board acknowledged the sport’s demographic shift. Players aged 18 to 34 now represent the largest percentage, challenging the stereotype of pickleball as a sport for older adults. Noise concerns associated with pickleball were addressed, with suggestions for low-noise paddles and limiting operational hours to mitigate disturbances. Proper court design was emphasized, with specific dimensions necessary to prevent players from hitting fences during play.

The potential expansion of pickleball facilities in Breezy Point was discussed, with Gregory Park identified as a candidate for converting tennis courts into pickleball courts. The vision includes attracting more players and possibly hosting tournaments to generate revenue for the city. The board considered the need for additional courts, proposing a future total of 12 to 14 to meet demand.

Further discussions covered the cost implications of constructing new courts. Examples from nearby communities showed varying costs based on materials, with asphalt courts in Cross Lake costing $160,000 to $175,000 for six courts, while Isle’s AC courts totaled $218,000. Concrete was identified as a more durable option, though it costs about 25% more than asphalt. A new nonprofit, the Lakes Area Pickleball Association, was formed to spearhead fundraising efforts, with over $100,000 likely needed for successful implementation.

The board also addressed community engagement and the social benefits of pickleball, emphasizing its positive impact on youth activity. Concerns about court placement were raised, with advice against east-west orientation to avoid sun issues. Seasonal bathroom accessibility was discussed, with a proposal to keep one bathroom open year-round to accommodate winter activities.

Other topics included the legal transfer process for lots adjacent to the community garden, with plans to locate new pickleball courts on these lots. Noise management and accessibility were considered, with suggestions for future infrastructure, such as expanding bathroom facilities and improving parking. The necessity of hiring a grant writer for project funding was noted, with plans to invite a grant writer to the next meeting for further discussion.