Pickleball Surges in South Florida

Diadem Jensen Beach leads growth of the fast-rising sport

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:50pm

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Josephine Novo sits down with Kyle Prats, Director of Pickleball at Diadem Jensen Beach, to discuss the rapid expansion of pickleball across South Florida. They explore why the sport continues to surge in popularity, how facilities like Diadem are driving growth, and what players and fans can expect as new pickleball opportunities emerge throughout the region.

Why it matters

Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, especially in active retirement communities and recreation centers. As the sport gains traction, facilities like Diadem Jensen Beach are playing a key role in introducing the sport to new players and hosting tournaments and events that further fuel its popularity in South Florida.

The details

Diadem Jensen Beach, a premier sports and recreation facility in South Florida, has significantly expanded its pickleball offerings in recent years to meet growing demand. The facility now features 12 dedicated pickleball courts and hosts regular tournaments, clinics, and social events to engage the local pickleball community.

  • Diadem Jensen Beach opened its doors in 2015.
  • The facility has steadily grown its pickleball programming over the past 5 years.

The players

Josephine Novo

A journalist reporting on the growth of pickleball in South Florida.

Kyle Prats

The Director of Pickleball at Diadem Jensen Beach, overseeing the facility's expanding pickleball offerings.

Diadem Jensen Beach

A sports and recreation facility in South Florida that has become a hub for the growing pickleball community, with 12 dedicated courts and a robust schedule of tournaments, clinics, and social events.

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What they’re saying

“Pickleball has become one of the fastest-growing sports in the United States, especially in active retirement communities and recreation centers.”

— Josephine Novo, Journalist

“As the sport gains traction, facilities like Diadem Jensen Beach are playing a key role in introducing the sport to new players and hosting tournaments and events that further fuel its popularity in South Florida.”

— Kyle Prats, Director of Pickleball, Diadem Jensen Beach

What’s next

Diadem Jensen Beach plans to continue expanding its pickleball offerings, including adding more courts and hosting larger regional tournaments to accommodate the growing interest in the sport throughout South Florida.

The takeaway

The rapid growth of pickleball in South Florida, driven by facilities like Diadem Jensen Beach, highlights the sport's rising popularity and the increasing demand for accessible, community-focused recreation options that bring people together and promote active lifestyles.