Why DeSantis’ Reversal on State Park Development is GOOD News for Pickleball

Good day, picklers.

Here’s what’s on the docket today:

• Pickle Talk: Why DeSantis’ Reversal on State Park Development is Good News for Pickleball

• Hot Topic: REACTION to USTA’S Response to Pickleball Rise

• Bite-sized: From Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Star: Donald Young’s Tennis US Open Comeback

• Golden Pickle: New Docu-Series "Breaking Pickleball" Now on Amazon Prime

PICKLE TALK

Why DeSantis’ Reversal on State Park Development is Good News for Pickleball

Governor Ron DeSantis recently hit the brakes on a controversial plan to develop Florida’s state parks with new golf courses, pickleball courts, and hotels after widespread public backlash. The proposed changes, presented by the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), sparked protests and bipartisan criticism, prompting DeSantis to distance himself from the idea. While some pickleball enthusiasts might see this as a setback, this decision could actually benefit the sport in the long run.

Let’s get into the details.

The Backlash: A Narrow Escape for Pickleball

The proposed development aimed to make state parks “more accessible” but struck a nerve with Floridians who saw it as an encroachment on protected natural spaces. The backlash was immediate, with a flood of “Keep Florida State Parks Wild” campaigns and protests across the state. DeSantis, under pressure, claimed he had never approved these "half-baked" plans, emphasizing that the state wouldn’t take away any green space.

For pickleball, avoiding this PR disaster is a hidden win. As the sport grows rapidly across the U.S., it faces growing pains—like noise complaints and disputes over land use. The last thing pickleball needs is to be branded as the sport that destroys natural parks for more courts. Preserving our reputation as a positive, community-driven activity is crucial for sustainable growth. And going against the opposers and not listening does the growth of the sport no good.

The Bigger Picture: A More Thoughtful Approach

The controversy over these development plans wasn’t just about resisting change; it was about safeguarding Florida’s natural heritage. While some ideas, like those proposed by the veterans’ nonprofit Folds of Honor, had noble intentions, they still threatened to disrupt cherished green spaces. The uproar reminds us that expanding our sport should not come at the cost of alienating local communities or environmentalists.

Moving Forward: Smarter Growth Strategies

For the pickleball community, this moment is a wake-up call. If we want more courts, let’s focus on repurposing underutilized spaces—old tennis courts, vacant lots, community centers—rather than pushing into state parks. Expanding thoughtfully and sustainably will help keep public sentiment on our side.

No one enjoys a pushy campaign. And if we are being real here…pickleball has become an annoyance for more people than needed and the need for resolve is great. No matter how much we love the sport.

DeSantis’ reversal allows us to avoid a messy conflict and rethink how we approach growth. Instead of forcing expansion at any cost, we have the chance to advocate for development that benefits everyone.

The court is ours—let’s play it right.

SOCIAL HOT TOPIC

REACTION to USTA’S Response to Pickleball Rise

In case you missed it, the U.S. Tennis Association (USTA) recently aired its grievances about pickleball’s meteoric rise. Pickleball has exploded by 223% in just three years, and tennis purists aren’t thrilled. USTA President Dr. Brian Hainline even called the sound of pickleball “obnoxious” and labeled the sport a threat to tennis’ turf.

But here’s the kicker: Redditors don’t think pickleball is the problem. They think it’s tennis itself.

1. Tennis: The Game That Makes You Quit Before You Start

If you’ve ever tried to teach someone tennis, you know it can be a nightmare. One Redditor laid it out: “You need decent technique to even get the ball in somewhat consistently. You probably need a year to develop a serve that isn't hopeless.”

In other words, tennis has a huge barrier to entry. Want to have fun right away? Good luck. For most newbies, the game can take months—if not years—to enjoy. Compare that to pickleball, where you can pick up a paddle and start rallying in no time. “My friends tried pickleball, and they could start playing matches in like a week,” another commenter said. That’s what we call an instant payoff.

2. Pickleball: The Sport of the People

You want a game that’s flexible? Pickleball’s got you covered. You can play it anywhere—parking lots, driveways, or even a basketball court if you’re feeling spicy. “Game works fine with huge skill gaps and awkward spaces,” wrote another Redditor. The equipment is cheaper, the court is small, and you don’t need a partner who’s at the same skill level. It’s a sport built for the casual, the curious, and the competitive.

Meanwhile, tennis requires specific conditions: a nice court, similar skill levels, and sometimes a miracle for a decent match. If tennis is the demanding older sibling, pickleball is the laid-back cousin who’s down to hang anywhere, anytime.

3. Tennis Needs to Chill Out and Learn from Pickleball

Here’s a wild idea: Maybe tennis doesn’t need to see pickleball as an existential threat. Look at France—they’re letting people try pickleball right at the French Open.

Why? Because they get that more options mean more players. But the USTA? Not so much. They’re doubling down with something called “red ball tennis,” trying to lure people back by making the game more accessible... on pickleball courts.

As Pickleball USA’s CEO Mike Nealy said, “There’s plenty of room for both sports to be very successful.” And he’s right. Instead of fighting the pickleball wave, tennis should surf it.

TL;DR: It’s Not Either/Or, It’s Both/And

If tennis keeps treating pickleball like the enemy, it’s gonna miss out. Reddit’s got a point: Tennis should rethink its approach, lower its barriers, and maybe—just maybe—learn a thing or two from pickleball’s playbook. Because in the race to attract new players, adaptability is the real MVP.

BITE-SIZED PICKLE

From Tennis Prodigy to Pickleball Star: Donald Young’s Tennis US Open Comeback

Donald Young, once the future of U.S. tennis, has been quietly building a career in the fast-rising sport of pickleball. But at this year’s US Open, the 35-year-old found himself back on the tennis court, competing for a Grand Slam title in mixed doubles with partner Taylor Townsend.

Young’s tennis career never fully lived up to its early promise—he cracked the Top 40 in singles but never won a tour-level title. By 2022, it seemed like his tennis days were behind him. That’s when he turned to pickleball, where he quickly made a name for himself, defeating top-ranked players and teaming up with pros like Jack Sock.

But pickleball had to take a backseat when Townsend, fresh off a Wimbledon doubles win, teamed up with him for a run at the US Open. The duo, wild-card entrants, have powered their way into the semifinals after a dramatic 10-8 tiebreaker win on Labor Day.

Young’s blend of tennis skill and pickleball finesse was on full display when he pulled off a soft, pickleball-like volley that kept them in the match. Despite pickleball being his new focus, Young is soaking in this tennis moment: “We’ll get to the end when we get to the end, but we’re still playing.”

As Young and Townsend prepare for their semifinal match, the idea of closing out his tennis career with a Grand Slam title seems closer than ever. Townsend’s confidence? “Is that a question? Come on.”

GOLDEN PICKLE, ANYONE?

New Docu-Series "Breaking Pickleball" Now on Amazon Prime

Explore the intense world of pickleball with Breaking Pickleball, the new six-episode docu-series now streaming on Amazon Prime. This riveting series chronicles the journey of the Arizona Pickleball League during its 2023 Spring season, giving viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the players, coaches, and fierce competition that define this fast-growing sport.

From thrilling matchups to personal triumphs and setbacks, Breaking Pickleball offers an up-close view of what it takes to succeed in a sport that's sweeping the nation.

Whether you're a longtime fan of pickleball or new to the game, this series is a must-watch for anyone looking to dive into the passion and excitement of this rapidly rising sport.

Here’s the official trailer, in case you are interested: