IN THE
CLUB
Shoreline
Pickleball
MILFORD, CONNECTICUT
Indoor Facility in Milford Spurs Pickleball Growth in Connecticut
by DREW WATHEY
The eastern seaboard of the United States is quickly becoming one of the hottest areas of the country for pickleball expansion. Since inclement weather hampers outdoor play during the winter season in the north, Shoreline Pickleball of Milford, Connecticut, solved that problem by developing the ultimate indoor facility.
It offers five dedicated indoor courts with outstanding lighting and sight lines, fun and exciting leagues with tournament action, a lounge area, and soon a pro shop partnering with Pickleball Central.
“ Here in Connecticut, we have seen a strong need for indoor facilities in the cold-weather months,” said Wayne Schwaeber, co-owner of Shoreline Pickleball.“ However, even in the warm months we have seen a tremendous growth in the demand for a facility that provides shelter from any of the elements( wind and sun), as well as a place to go to avoid the long waits outside on the town courts.”
The sport of pickleball has stoked a passionate frenzy in its participants not often seen in other sports. Part of the appeal is the sense of camaraderie among players. What can be purely competitive on the court one game can quickly evolve into a fun-filled, deliriously happy encounter the next.
“ After starting play, we saw the great social aspect and sense of community that the sport provided. We saw the direction the sport was heading and felt Milford needed a place for its residents, as well as shoreline residents, to gather year-round to play,” added Schwaeber.
While warm-weather regions may have led the way in the development of outdoor facilities, the love of the game has provided the impetus for many builders and developers to take the game indoors to fulfill the everincreasing need.
Schwaeber noted,“ Over the last few years we have seen pickleball facilities sprout up around the state with many town facilities growing tremendously, and what makes Shoreline unique is our people. Our members and staff are dedicated to growing the sport in a way that brings the community together. Our goal is to create a friendly, social environment where individuals of all ages and ability levels can come to play, be active and have fun.”
Having fun starts at the grassroots level, where local youngsters can pick up a paddle and start playing with their family and friends.“ We are working very hard to grow the youth participation in the sport,” said Schwaeber.“ The popularity at the middle school, high school and collegiate levels has increased substantially. So we look forward to working with the various organizational bodies to embrace and encourage the sport.”
For more information on Shoreline Pickleball, visit shorelinepickleball. com. •
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