Click and pop, the ball hits the court.

An afternoon full of clicks and pops is what greets players at the latest addition to Everett Park on Betz road, a new pickleball court.

“I have arthritis in several joints,” instructor Robert Mason said. “So what I like about pickleball is it is one of the few things I can still do that is still competitive.” 

According to the National Library, pickleball has many similarities to racket ball sports in its rules and foundation. This comparison is made with comments on its ease to learn how to play.

“In basketball, you have to run across the whole court a lot but in pickleball you have to stay in your half of the court,” freshman Abigail Mwita said. “In basketball, people can go up to you and try to block somebody’s shot, but in pickle ball, you just have to try and hit the ball strategically to where they can’t hit it…In basketball, you use your hands and dribble, but in pickle ball you have to use the paddle and the ball can only hit the ground once.”

Accruent, a website which highlights business decisions, states there are four big factors that make park site, in this case a pickleball court, decisions a good or bad one. These four factors are its accessibility, competitors, parking, and costs.

“We built the pickleball courts at Everett Park because of its location,”  Director of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bellevue Jim Shada said. “It is easy access from all parts of the City of Bellevue.”

Shada speaks on future endeavors of Parks and Recreation for the City of Bellevue, saying as well that the City of Bellevue itself has 55 parks. The Recreation Department also provides youth and adult activities throughout the year. 

“We would like to sponsor Pickleball League Play in the near future,” Shada said. “Future development of other pickleball courts is pending in the City of Bellevue.”

Pickleball injuries also concur somewhat with tennis. However, a pickleball player is more likely to get lower body injuries while in tennis, a player would be more likely to get an upper body injury.

“I like the new courts and I think it was about time Bellevue got some new courts,” Mwita said. “My favorite part of playing on the courts is that you don’t slip on them because they’re new. Sometimes I slip on [other] courts when I’m running to the ball. Iron Peak Sports and Events points out that pickleball is a very popular sport. This is presented in its accessibility and the social aspect to it. 

“Pickleball is the fastest growing sport in America,” Shada said.