The following was provided by Jodi Pree, our ambassador in Marco Island, Fl. While this article is specific to the results at the Marco Island Recreation Center- I think it can be either be shared as is - or tailored to meet your needs. Prefect for showing potential venues, tennis comples or recreation centers the benefit of introducing pickleball at their facility
Benefits & Perks from Pickleball at MIRC
- Inexpensive--played on a hard court which is practically maintenance-free, cost of each portable pb net set is $170, cost of replacement nets $50 each
- Players provide their own balls, paddles, expertise
- Group of members already donated paint for 2 bonus pb courts & 2 pickleball net sets(1 of which still has yet to be used)
- 2 MIRC members are also local business owners who have supported City Kids thru banner ads.
- 1 MIRC member does free publicity for the MIRC thru www.marco-island-tennis.com (the #1 google search for marco island tennis), press releases, articles, photos, etc.
- Currently the only place on Marco to have pickleball courts...something the Y & area condos have yet to offer.
- Huge earning potential as pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the US. We need to nurture this sport as much as possible, especially while we are the only location on the entire island. This has the potential to explode!
- February 2013 Naples will (for the 1st time) be hosting the South Atlantic Region Championship; pickleball players from all across the country will be attending and participating in this!
Positive activity that can be played by all ages
Natural transition for older/injured tennis players to pickleball-keep aging players at the MIRC
Potential revenue from families wanting to play pickleball together, as it can be played by all ages & skill levels
Members are willing to share their skill and expertise to encourage beginners/potential players
Members have been self-governing--maintaining their own schedules, informing guests to check-in at the office to pay fees, etc…As a whole, the group is very hospitable and positive.
