When staying in one of our Amelia Island vacation rentals you’ll surely be looking for things to do. One of the more popular things to do on Amelia Island is pickleball. This racquet sport has become well-known on Amelia Island and around the country!
The History of Pickleball
The popular racquet sport pickleball first appeared in the United States in the 1960s. Joel Pritchard and Bill Bell created the game. They developed the game to amuse their families throughout a long weekend in the summer on Bainbridge Island, close to Seattle.
They began by using a badminton court, a perforated plastic ball, and wooden paddles. According to legend, Pritchard’s wife gave the game the nickname “pickleball” because she thought it reminded her of the crew pickle boat, where the rowers were chosen from the remains of other boats.
The game instantly became well-liked and quickly spread to other regions of the nation. Pickleball had its own set of regulations by the 1970s, and courts were being constructed especially for the game. The USA Pickleball Association was established in 1984, and the inaugural national championship took place in 1990.
Pickleball is now a popular sport for people of all ages and is one of the popular things to do on Amelia Island. Even the Asian Games in 2022 will have it as a medal sport. New tools and methods are continually being created in the sport to increase the enjoyment and thrill of the competition.
Pickleball Rules
It is played on a court with a net. The purpose of the game, which can be played in singles or doubles, is to hit a perforated plastic ball over the net and land it on the court of the opposite team. Being the first team to reach 11 points wins the game, and the team must win by at least two points. It’s also customary to enjoy a pint at one of Amelia Island’s best breweries with your opponent in some circles!
Places to Play Pickleball
Central Park
The Central Park Pickleball Courts are located at the intersection of South 13th Street and Atlantic Avenue, behind Tennis Courts 3 and 4. There are six illuminated pickleball courts open every day until 10:00 pm. The courthouse gates are not locked. There are nearby restrooms, a drinking fountain, and an AED. They plan ‘’scheduled play’’ hours where beginners can learn by playing with volunteers. They also provide playing equipment including racquets and balls. Conveniently this park is located close to our Amelia Island rentals.
Playing outside ‘’scheduled play is called open play hours. This is better for people that go with friends and want to play with themselves. Courts are open daily from 6 am to 10 pm.
Plan Your Visit to Amelia Island
With fully equipped kitchens, beautifully appointed furnishings, and luxurious sleeping and living areas, there’s no better way to relax than with us on Amelia Island!
Omni Resort
For fans of pickleball, the Omni Amelia Island Resort in Fernandina Beach, Florida, is a well-liked vacation pickleball spot. The resort has a pickleball court specifically for the sport as well as 23 tennis courts that are also utilized for tennis.
The resort’s pickleball court is accessible to visitors and is situated close to the tennis pro shop. The court includes lines for both singles and doubles play, and you can rent top-notch pickleball paddles and balls there.
For those who want to sharpen their pickleball skills, the resort also provides workshops and instruction.
Where To Stay on Amelia Island
For the perfect way to enjoy pickleball on Amelia Island, be sure to book a stay with us. Here at Fernandina Beach Realty, we have many Amelia Island vacation rentals to choose from. Many of them are right on the beach, which is especially nice if you want to get some sand between your toes. Or, choose one of our properties with a pool, where you can relax after spending all day on your feet!