Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the United States, and communities across Tucson are getting involved. At Udall Park, at 7200 E. Tanque Verde Rd. Pickleball courts are often bustling with activity, driven by a spirit of community and competition.
“When I first started, it was just old people, older than me, and now it’s everybody,” longtime Udall Park pickleball player Mike Garrone said.
Pickleball was created by three men in Washington state to keep their kids entertained. It’s an easy-to-learn sport that appeals to all ages and helps many players stay active while socializing.
The Udall pickleball community has more than 2,400 members on its Facebook page created in 2020 during the pandemic.
“We are not here to sell anything but love and laughter,” the page states, which also stresses the importance of community and friendly behavior.
“It keeps me motivated, helps me have a good time, and lets me meet lots of nice people,” Garrone said.
As the sport’s popularity has grown, so has the need for well-maintained courts.
Dubbed the “Unofficial Mayor of Udall Pickleball,” Dominick DeCarlo said keeping pickleball at Udall free is a priority. The group Tucson Area Pickleball (TAP) has taken on the responsibility of maintaining the space through volunteer efforts.
“We raise all the money and have benefit tournaments, and it all goes to TAP,” DeCarlo said.
The group pays for upkeep and additional amenities, such as benches, water fountains, high-quality lights and shade structures, he said.
That joint effort has helped create a strong sense of community among the players.
Players fill the courts on a weekday evening, Wednesday, Feb. 26, 2025.
It’s also good for physical health, said physical therapist Logan Vashon.
“It gets people moving. It improves agility, flexibility and cardiovascular health,” he said.
Even as just one of several spots for local pickleballers to play, Udall’s courts stay busy, with courts full of players on a typical weekday evening.
Although Udall is the largest free pickleball facility in Tucson, the city has other venues such as Corbett’s Sports Bar & Grill, which offers court rentals along with food and refreshments, and the Donna R. Liggins Recreation Center, which offers pickleball for a fee.
Devanshi Shukla is a 30-year-old UA student who moved to Tucson from India two years ago. Soon after arriving a friend invited her to play pickleball at Udall. She’s been going ever since.
“You can just show up by yourself, you can make many friends and even improve your game,” she said.
The community’s shared passion for pickleball fosters connection, welcoming players of all ages and skill levels.
Arizona Sonoran News is a news service of the University of Arizona School of Journalism.
