Spring Creek Finds a New Favorite Game: Pickleball  

Pickleball is making a big splash at Spring Creek Towers, where residents are rallying to bring the fast-growing sport closer to home. Leading the effort is longtime resident Linda Hyde, who hopes to establish an outdoor court at the Brooklyn Sports Club, giving neighbors a convenient place to play, stay active, and connect. 

Hyde and fellow pickleball enthusiasts are working to build interest in the sport and explore what it would take to create a dedicated space for residents. Their goal is to make pickleball accessible to people of all ages, particularly older adults who may have difficulty traveling elsewhere to play. 

“It promotes friendship; it promotes coming together, and it’s just about having fun,” Hyde said. “We wanna have an outdoor court here, so the elders don’t have to travel, and we wanna teach the game to the youth as well.” 

Hyde believes bringing pickleball to Spring Creek Towers would provide residents with a new recreational opportunity while strengthening community connections. 

“Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing sports in America, and a lot of people are interested,” she said. “They are amazed by it, and they wanna learn it. Us bringing it to Spring Creek Towers, I think it’s going to do a lot for our community.” 

Hyde began playing pickleball two years ago after retiring, initially looking for a casual way to stay active. Since then, her interest has grown into a larger vision of making the sport a lasting part of neighborhood life. 

Part of pickleball’s appeal is its accessibility. The rules are relatively easy to learn, and players of different ages and skill levels can participate. The game also offers opportunities for exercise, friendly competition and social interaction. 

For fellow player Clarence Gibbons, the sport is an opportunity to showcase his abilities and determination. 

“My favorite part about pickleball is my serving,” Gibbons said. “I love to serve and the backhand. A lot of people tell me I’m amazing at the sport.” 

As Hyde and other enthusiasts work to build support for a neighborhood court, they hope pickleball will become more than a pastime. Their vision is to create a welcoming space where residents can learn the game, build friendships and strengthen the Spring Creek Towers community, one match at a time. 

Photos By Amanda Moses