Pickleball is the fastest growing sport for adults, with an estimated 5 million players nationwide. Now, the wait for dedicated pickleball courts in Mt. Lebanon is at an end.

Two tennis courts have been converted to six permanent 20- by-44-feet pickleball courts at Meadowcroft Park, adjacent to Lincoln Elementary School. The courts are equipped with basic white court striping, fencing, net posts and nets. The pickleball project, as spelled out in Mt. Lebanon’s comprehensive plan, was the No. 6  priority of the Sports Advisory Board in 2022.

According to a recent report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, pickleball‘s popularity has grown more than 39 percent in the past two years.

“I think pickleball is so popular because it’s easy to play and it’s a lot of fun,” said David Donnellan, Mt. Lebanon recreation director.

No reservations or fees will be required for Lebo’s new pickleball courts. On-street parking is available.  According to Donnellan, players can also walk or park in the Overlook lot.

“I’m looking forward to playing closer to home rather than driving to other areas of the city. Being new to the area, it will give me a chance to meet and play with neighbors,” said John Tamerlano, Standish Boulevard.

Pickleball player Janet McDermott, Edward Avenue, echoes the excitement. “While having pickleball lines added to a few of the tennis courts opened up extra options, actual pickleball nets are lower, which makes a difference and with as many people as are playing now, more courts were desperately needed,” she said.

Donnellan says there are no plans for additional courts at this time.