The (Pickle)ball is in Their Court | Wellington Bay Senior Living Community
March 4, 2024
In what’s a bit of a flip-flop, seniors are the trendsetters while younger generations follow closely behind at Wellington Bay senior living community in Wellington, Florida.
Pickleball is the fastest-growing sport in the U.S., with an estimated 4.8 million players, aka picklers. The game, which is a combination of badminton, ping-pong, and tennis, was, in earlier years, predominantly played among older adults. It is a game increasingly attracting younger generations because of its social aspect, accessibility, inclusivity, ease of learning and just pure fun.
Wellington Bay senior living community first opened its doors a year ago. With an appreciation for the popularity of the sport, two pickleball courts were built early on in the community’s launch. The existence of the courts is among the most popular amenities, which also include bocce ball courts, a zero-entry outdoor pool, an indoor pool, a 65,000 square-foot-clubhouse, library, art room, and more. Residents of Wellington Bay can, through the senior living community’s arrangement, have free access to golf at Wellington National Golf Club.
Early on, Wellington Bay residents decided to launch a pickleball club as one of the many resident-driving programs in the community. The club’s president is resident Artie Lynnworth, who is passionate about the game.
Last month, national pickleball star Alex Pop-Moldovan came to provide pickleball instruction to the residents. Artie explained, “I have taken lessons from Alex at PGA National. Alex is a nationally ranked player, a bronze medalist in the U.S. Pickleball Open, and a coach to one of the USA’s best pickleball teams. He really knows how to make learning a productive and entertaining experience.”
Alex came to Wellington Bay to hold two clinics for the residents: one for beginners and another for intermediate players. “He helped residents learn key skills for success on the court, held drills, and ended the day with a round-robin match,” said Artie. He added, “The most repeated comment or quote from the residents that day was, ‘I would love to do this again.'”
As a result of witnessing the residents’ enjoyment of pickleball as well as their growing skills, some of the staff members at Wellington Bay expressed interest in learning how to play. “The residents have volunteered to coach the staff,” said Artie. “We already have great camaraderie, and playing pickleball together will further enhance the wonderful spirit and atmosphere of living here at beautiful Wellington Bay.”
“I can tell you that our residents are great pickleball players. They are teaching us the rules of the game and also the nuances like how to be safe, how to be in the right place at the right time, and the best ways to hit and place the ball. I can speak for myself when I say that I personally have a long way to go, and I truly appreciate their guidance in the court,” said Melissa Clark, Wellness Director.
The Concierge Director, Dominique Mcdonald said “I truly enjoy interacting with the residents. I am new at the game and can see why so many people love it. When we play, and the residents give us lessons, it makes me feel safe and at ease.”
Some staff members are beginning to try out pickleball without the residents formally training them but offering the gracious recipients unsolicited guidance. After watching some of Wellington Bay’s dining servers ‘pickle around’, Artie said, “I did send them some links to pickleball tips that they can watch online and be better prepared for self-improvement.”
“We are proud of the fact that our residents constantly have the opportunity to pursue existing hobbies and learn new ones. It’s fun to have the tables, or in this case, the pickleball courts turned, by the residents teaching the staff new skills,” said Melissa.
Wellington Bay
Wellington Bay is a rental retirement community featuring luxury apartments on a palm tree-shaded campus in Wellington, Florida– named by Money Magazine as one of the “Best Places to Retire,” and known for its golf courses, thriving equestrian community, and lovely homes. Wellington Bay offers independent living that supports a vibrant lifestyle for active seniors. Lisbet Health Center, located onsite, offers assisted living and memory care. Wellington Bay is owned and operated by Liberty Senior Living, LLC, a division of Liberty Healthcare Management that specializes in senior living and retirement communities. To learn more about Wellington Bay, visit www.WellingtonBayFl.com. To learn more about Liberty Senior Living and the communities they offer, please visit www.LibertySeniorLiving.com.