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AdventHealth Daytona Beach has announced a five-year, $100,000 partnership with Pictona, the $6 million, 24-court pickleball complex in Holly Hill that opened to the public on July 15.
The name Pictona is a creative amalgamation of “pickleball” and “Daytona Beach.”
Pickleball is one of the fastest-growing recreational sports in the country. According to a report by the Sports & Fitness Industry Association, there are an estimated 3.3 million pickleball players in the U.S., and the USA Pickleball Association reported a 650% increase in the number of people playing the sport over the previous six years. Played by all ages, pickleball has become especially popular among those 55-and-older because it has a lower impact on the knees, shoulders and hips.
Located at 1066 Ridgewood Ave., Holly Hill, Pictona is one of the largest facilities of its kind in Florida.
“Both of our organizations are committed to improving the health and wellbeing of the communities we serve,” said Ed Noseworthy, AdventHealth Daytona Beach CEO. “As part of our partnership, we’ll provide health screenings and classes on diabetes and nutrition, including youth nutrition classes using Pictona’s community garden.”
All 24-courts, including the 16 outdoor ones, have LED “tournament-level” lighting to allow for nighttime play, and the eight covered courts will be sponsored by AdventHealth. In addition to competitive tournaments, the complex will offer fitness classes and yoga, healthy eating classes, youth development programs, and workshops for physical education teachers to help bring the sport to local students. There will also be outdoor recreational games, including croquet, shuffleboard, bocce ball, table tennis and horseshoes.
The first competitive tournament will be in October and is expected to draw 400 players from throughout Central Florida.
In October 2021, Pictona is scheduled to host the USA Pickleball Association’s Atlantic South Regional Tournament which is expected to draw 700 to 800 players from multiple states as well as at least 1,000 spectators.