Combining the elements of tennis, ping-pong, and badminton, the sport of pickleball has grown tremendously in popularity over the past two years. According to the Sports and Fitness Industry Association, 4.2 million Americans were playing pickleball in 2020, a 21.3% increase from the year prior. Keeping up with the popularity of this booming sport, Harbour Ridge Yacht and Country Club recently added eight pickleball courts to their community. Here’s a closer look at the exciting new addition to the Harbour Ridge lifestyle.
Get to Know the Sport of Pickleball
Fun, social, and friendly, pickleball is an overall simple game that is easy to learn, but can develop into a quick, fast-paced game for experienced players. While it has increased in popularity lately, the sport has been around since 1965. Pickleball can be played both indoors and outdoors, in doubles or singles formats. The game is played on a badminton-sized court with a slightly modified tennis net, paddle, and a plastic ball with holes.
Due to pickleball’s simplicity and ease of getting started, the sport has also become extremely popular within country club communities. “Our Members at Harbour Ridge really enjoy getting together on the courts,” says Fabio Vasconcellos, Director of Racquet Sports at Harbour Ridge. “Pickleball a great workout. It is easier on the knees as there’s less running than tennis. Many choose to play in groups as well, offering plentiful opportunities for social interaction and friendly competition between residents.”
Stay Energetic at Harbour Ridge’s New Courts
Recently opened in December 2021, the pickleball facilities have already become a favored activity, keeping Members energetic and motivated. The area includes eight courts, four of which are lighted for night play. Harbour Ridge plans to continuously expand upon the pickleball program by offering more playing opportunities through clinics, lessons, social and competitive events. These courts are a welcoming addition to the Lakeside Amenity Center, which already includes nine Har-Tru tennis courts, an aquatics center, a spacious fitness center, physical therapy, a puppy park, and a full-service spa and salon.
Vasconcellos is looking forward to all the new events and opportunities these courts bring. “This new activity in our Club brings endless possibilities for social interaction. We look forward to providing current and new players with many social events and playing opportunities.”
Upcoming Pickleball Events
Along with the introduction of the new courts, the staff at Harbour Ridge have already planned numerous pickleball events. February events include a pickleball Go Pink charity round-robin on Sunday, February 6th as well as a Pickle & Pizza round-robin event on the 22nd. Additionally, March 5-6 will be the first pickleball championship on the courts. Lessons, clinics, round-robins, pickleball tangos, and more are also being planned, ensuring Members have ample opportunities to try out the sport.
An Enviable Waterfront Lifestyle
The new pickleball facilities are just one of the resort-style amenities that make the private residential country club lifestyle at Harbour Ridge second-to-none. Harbour Ridge offers the very best of boating and golf course living. The 45,000 square foot Clubhouse is the heart of our community, designed to take full advantage of the stunning panoramic vistas of the St. Lucie River. Two USGA-recognized championship golf courses, designed by Pete & P.B. Dye and Joe Lee, offer an Audubon-certified course winding along the river and throughout the community. Harbour Ridge is also home to three private marinas, with a combined 98 slips for boats up to 80 feet in length. An active calendar of events keeps resident Members active with everything from fishing and golf tournaments to waterfront dinners.
Situated on the North Fork of the St. Lucie River, Harbour Ridge Yacht & Country Club is the premier private waterfront and golf community on Southeast Florida’s Treasure Coast. The wide variety of homes for sale within the Harbour Ridge community offers varying price points and styles to suit every need. All single-family homes and condominiums have stunning views of the St. Lucie River, lakes golf courses or nature preserves. Move-in-ready rental residences are also available for seasonal residents. Our complimentary digital brochure shares an even closer look at the amenities and lifestyle offered within this waterfront community. Visit HarbourRidge.com or call 772-336-3000 for more information.
