Pickleball fever spreads to Tipp City

According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association’s Topline Participation Report for 2025 Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in the U.S. for the fourth straight year. Nearly 48 million adults played Pickleball at least once in the previous 12 months and now those who live in Tipp City won’t have to travel to play.

New pickleball courts just opened in September at Kyle Park thanks in part to a grant from the Tipp City Foundation. 

Jeremy Bowser, the Director of Municipal Services, for Tipp City said leaders wanted to invest in this project because of the rising popularity of Pickleball.

“Tipp City viewed the pickleball courts not just as a recreational amenity, but as an investment in health, community engagement, and quality of life for both Tipp City residents and those in our surrounding communities,” said Bowser.

The Tipp City Foundation’s grant of $50,000 will be paid out over 5 years and was essential in covering many costs associated with the construction, development, and initial operation of the new pickleball courts. 

“The Tipp City Foundation grant provided valuable support for additional amenities at the new pickleball courts, enabling the city to install upgrades such as taller perimeter fencing for improved safety and ball containment, a drinking fountain to keep players hydrated, bike racks to encourage alternative transportation to the facility, and an AED device for emergency preparedness,” said Bowser. “These enhancements help ensure the courts are accessible, welcoming, and well-equipped for the growing number of pickleball enthusiasts in our community.”

Before these courts were installed, residents who wanted to play on dedicated pickleball courts had to travel to nearby cities like Piqua and Troy. 

“The sport is adaptable to all ages and skill levels, and its social, community-oriented nature continues to drive its popularity both locally and nationally,” said Bowser.

The courts have only been open for a few weeks, and they are already getting a lot of use.

“I visited the courts nearly every day last week, and it appears that all courts are consistently full of players from 8:00 AM to 11:00 AM, and again during the evening hours. Based on initial feedback, the courts are being received with great enthusiasm by the community,” said Bowser.

Bowser expects that number to grow. The city estimates that more than 2,000 residents, neighbors, and visitors will directly benefit from access to these courts.

The courts are near the tree grove at Kyle Park. The tree grove consists of more than 60 trees – each planted to honor the foundation’s endowed funds. 

Bowser says the Miami County Pickleball Association has been a huge help in making this a reality. 

“The association has been instrumental to the success of this project since it was first introduced as an idea to the Parks Advisory Board nearly two years ago. They assisted with court specifications and have provided invaluable support throughout the bidding process and now into construction. A special thank you to Bob and Carolyn Bradley for their dedication to the sport and for helping bring Pickleball to Tipp City.”

The courts won’t just be for local use. Local and regional tournaments are expected to be played in Tipp City. 

“The courts are part of a larger vision to modernize and enhance Kyle Park, one of Tipp City’s main public spaces.”